This paper fan is spread open to reveal a pale green background scattered with gold stars and Spanish phrases. In the center of the fan, above clouds, is a wizard with a long white beard and dressed in a red robe and pointed hat. The wizard uses a wand to point to a page in a large open book on his right, our left. On the page is a large round numbered game spinner. The opposite page of the book has the word PORVENIR written on it. Both pages have gold stars scattered across them. Behind the wizard, a blue curtain drapes down with the rope pull visible. To our right of the wizard is a woman, also above clouds, dressed in a long white dress with a gold pattern and gold fringe. Next to the woman are two, winged cherubs with bows and arrows. The lacquered fan ribs are red, and a red and gold ribbon is tied at the bottom. The reverse side of the fan is light blue with gold stars scattered about.
Spanish
Folding Fan: Fortune Teller,
late 19th century
Chromolithograph with lacquered wood ribs
,
38 cm (15 in.)
Object details
Accession number
U33w117
Primary Creator
Spanish
Full title
Folding Fan: Fortune Teller
Creation Date
late 19th century
Provenance
Probably purchased by Isabella Stewart Gardner in Spain, 1888.
Dimensions
38 cm (15 in.)
Display Media
Chromolithograph with lacquered wood ribs
Web Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.
Permanent Gallery Location
Vatichino
Bibliography
Ellen Dennis. "A Note on the Fans in the Collection." Fenway Court (1984), pp. 45, 48.
Rights and reproductions
The use of images, text, and all other media found on this website is limited. Please review Rights and Reproductions for details.
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.