Pleated Fan, mid- 19th century

Pleated fan. Gilded paper leaf with lithographs. Obverse: purple and copper-colored paper gilded showing three proscenium arches with curtains and pseudo-Renaissance motifs framing hand-colored lithographs of theatrical Spanish scenes. At left, a drinking party in fancy dress; at center, a large masked ball; at right, a queen and three attendants in a loge. Reverse: Three framed hand-colored lithographs of Spanish scenes in mountainous country. At left, two women at a well listening to minstrels; in center, groups of men at leisure with horses and riders; at right, men with a donkey. Gilded mother-of-pearl sticks, brilliantly painted on obverse and reverse with birds, flowers and scrolls. Reverse sticks decorated with small painted lithograph of Chenonceau. Oval mirror with gold frame set in guards. White paste jewel rivet head; gilt metal bail. Pale green silk tassel with gilt ornaments and beads.