French
Fan: Merci, late 19th century
Ink and paint on paper and wood with ribbons , 21.5 x 12.7 cm (8 7/16 x 5 in.)
General admission for children 17 years and under is always free
Long Gallery
Commentary
This autographed fan came to Isabella Stewart Gardner through her friend Sarah Bernhardt, one of the most famous actors of their era. Gardner cultivated relationships with many celebrated performers and collected mementoes of her friendships with them. Bernhardt and Gardner maintained a friendly correspondence over the years, which the latter saved for display in her museum.