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Brisé fan, with representations of classical figures flanking Venus and Cupid

Based on a composition by Angelica Kauffmann Swiss
ca. 1795–1800
Not on view
This brisé fan- composed purely of ivory sticks- is a very fine example of Chinese carving. Particularly sought-after in Europe, beautifully worked ivory mounts were sent from China with blank medallions, which could be customized with painted vignettes once they arrived in Europe. This example has been painted, to a very high quality, with a central figure group of Venus and Cupid- amended from a design first developed by Swiss painter Angelica Kauffman (1741-1807)- flanked by flower-bearing nymphs. The painted paper ribbon which further embellishes the fan is original.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Brisé fan, with representations of classical figures flanking Venus and Cupid
  • Artist: Based on a composition by Angelica Kauffmann (Swiss, Chur 1741–1807 Rome)
  • Date: ca. 1795–1800
  • Culture: Chinese, for British market
  • Medium: PIerced, carved, gilded and painted ivory; painted paper; metal
  • Dimensions: confirmed: 9 3/4 in. × 17 in. × 1 1/2 in. (24.8 × 43.2 × 3.8 cm)
  • Classification: Fans
  • Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. William Randolph Hearst, 1965
  • Object Number: 65.80.13
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

More Artwork

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Pair of doors with scenes after Angelica Kauffman, Angelica Kauffmann Swiss, Wood, polychromed copper, gilt bronze, British
Pair of doors with scenes after Angelica Kauffman
Angelica Kauffmann
after 1784
Design for Ceiling: Apollo and the Hours, Angelica Kauffmann Swiss, Pen and black ink, brush and gray ink, brown wash, watercolor, over black chalk
Design for Ceiling: Apollo and the Hours
Angelica Kauffmann
Giovanni Battista Cipriani
1760–1807
Girl Braiding Her Hair
Angelica Kauffmann
1765
Study of a Standing Woman, Angelica Kauffmann Swiss, Black chalk, heightened with white chalk, on paper prepared with gray-blue gouache
Study of a Standing Woman
Angelica Kauffmann
1792–96
Servius Tullius When a Child, Asleep in the Apartment of King Tarquinius Priscus, Angelica Kauffmann Swiss, Pen and brown ink, brush and gray ink, heightened with white chalk, on blue paper
Servius Tullius When a Child, Asleep in the Apartment of King Tarquinius Priscus
Angelica Kauffmann
ca. 1785

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