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Folding fan depicting scenes from the history of ballooning
French
about 1785
Object Place: France
Medium/Technique
Reformed protein [molded horn] sticks and skin leaf painted with gouache
Dimensions
Guard: 26.6 cm (10 1/2 in.); maximum open: 50.5 cm (19 7/8); arc: 180°
Credit Line
The Elizabeth Day McCormick Collection
Accession Number43.2078
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope, Fashion and Textiles
ClassificationsCostumes
DescriptionSingle skin leaf. Scenes of balloons and balloonists. Obverse: 3 vignettes, crowds, townscapes, balloons (Rozier's balloon of first ascent, November 21, 1783, center); decorative panels with portraits (Guyton de Morveau, Joseph Montgolfier, Marquis d'Arlandes) beween and to sides, decorative borders. Reverse: 3 simple vignettes, panels with balloons in medallions between and to sides. Gilt paper binding. Horn sticks with ballooning scene center blades, portraits (Jean Pierre Blanchard, Jean François Pilâtre de Rozier) (obverse) and ballooning (reverse) medallions on guards. Diamond paste studs in rivet, brass ring.
ProvenanceElizabeth Day McCormick (b. 1873 - d. 1957), Chicago; 1943, gift of Elizabeth Day McCormick to the MFA. (Accession Date: November 10, 1943)