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Fan commemorating the 1855 Universal Exhibition

1855
Not on view
Intended as a souvenir, this commemorative fan shows the grand Palace of Industry erected for the 1855 Exposition Universelle in Paris. The Universal Exhibitions were major events for the promotion of national industr,ies, and French fan makers distinguished themselves from the start, winning the highest honors at the 1851 Crystal Palace Exhibition in London. The official catalogue of the 1855 exhibition described the fan industry in France as “advanced and flourishing” offering something for everyone from fans costing as little as three cents to those of the highest luxury.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Fan commemorating the 1855 Universal Exhibition
  • Artist: Alphonse Guilletat (French, mid-nineteenth century)
  • Printer: Printed by Brioude-Laguérie (French, nineteenth century)
  • Date: 1855
  • Culture: French
  • Medium: hand-colored and gilded lithograph; ivory; mother-of-pearl
  • Dimensions: 10 3/8 x 19 3/4 in. (26.4 x 50.2 cm)
  • Classification: Fans
  • Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Thomas Hunt, 1933
  • Object Number: 33.82.14
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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