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Folding Fan with representations of Pompeii and the 1786 eruption of Vesuvius

ca. 1795
Not on view
This is a typical, and very elegant, eighteenth-century souvenir fan, depicting the dramatic eruption of Mount Vesuvius, flanked by sunny scenes of Classical ruins identified by inscriptions as sites in Pompeii. These landscapes are set against a delicate decorative design inspired by Roman wall paintings. Such fans were made in some quantities for wealthy visitors enjoying their Grand Tour vacations in Italy to take home as mementoes. Though the painted fan leaves were made in Italy, often the sticks and guards were attached once home in Britain. This example relates to others in The Met's collection of Vesuvius (14.73; 63.90.73; 38.91.105), of the Colosseum (24.80.32, 63.90.76), and of the Bay of Naples (63.90.79)

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Folding Fan with representations of Pompeii and the 1786 eruption of Vesuvius
  • Date: ca. 1795
  • Culture: Italian
  • Medium: Gouache on parchment; tortoiseshell, gilt metal, glass
  • Dimensions: 10 5/8 x 20 in. (27 x 50.8 cm)
  • Classification: Fans
  • Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. William Randolph Hearst, 1963
  • Object Number: 63.90.26
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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