Artwork
Eventail plié
Eventail plié is an unspecified work on paper by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris. The object is a hand‑crafted folding fan, opened to reveal a light‑coloured frame adorned with delicate lace.
About this work
Overview
The object is a hand‑crafted folding fan, opened to reveal a light‑coloured frame adorned with delicate lace. Within the central panel a modest painted vignette depicts three women in primary‑coloured dresses, blue, pink and yellow, positioned beside a low building. The fan’s edges show signs of use, with slight wear and some loss of pigment.
Subject & Meaning
The miniature scene presents three figures in simple attire, suggesting a casual, perhaps domestic, gathering. Their bright garments contrast with the subdued background, drawing attention to individual presence while the architectural element hints at a shared public or communal space.
Technique & Style
The surrounding lace consists of fine needle‑worked motifs, featuring tiny floral and scroll patterns typical of late‑nineteenth‑century European lace. The painted interior employs a flat, unshaded palette, characteristic of decorative fan art that balanced portability with visual appeal.
Context
Folding fans of this type were popular in the late 1800s as both functional accessories and decorative objects. They often combined utilitarian purpose with artistic expression, reflecting contemporary tastes for intricate handcrafts and portable miniature paintings.
Artist & collection
Museum
Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris
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