This paper fan is spread open to reveal the colors of the Spanish flag—red, yellow, red. In the center of the fan, a light-skinned man dressed in military garb holds up the Spanish flag. To his right, our left, is a light-skinned woman wearing a white lace mantilla draped over her head, shoulders, and long skirt. A red carnation is pinned to the mantilla. To the left of the woman is a lion standing on all fours with tongue hanging out. Leafy branches and wreaths further decorate the fan. The lacquered ribs are black with gold and red swirling designs. Tears in the paper are visible on the side to our left. The reverse side of the fan is mostly red with some yellow and the ribs are black. This side reveals more tears in the paper and a broken rib to our right.
Spanish, Valencia
Folding Fan: Viva Espana!,
late 19th century
Chromolithograph with lacquered wood ribs
,
38 cm (15 in.)
Object details
Accession number
U33w118
Primary Creator
Spanish, Valencia
Full title
Folding Fan: Viva Espana!
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), p. 45.
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.