Thursday, December 6, 2012

Unfolding Pictures: The Venus Interceding with Jupiter Fan, 1730-1769


Venus Interceding with Jupiter Fan
French, 1730-1769
The Victoria & Albert Museum


Many Eighteenth Century fans were inspired by stories from Classical mythology. Here’s a great example. Known as the “Venus Interceding with Jupiter” Fan, it was made in France between 1730 and 1769. The leaf of the fan shows the high standards for fan-painting as well as serves as an excellent example of French Baroque painting. The hallmarks of Baroque painting—theatricality, intense and brilliant colors and unnaturally exaggerated lighting—are all clearly evident in this delicately painted scene. A Chinoiserie scene—also fashionable at the time—graces the reverse of the fan. 


The fan’s sticks and guards, also, are indicative or Baroque style with their intricate carving and piercing, painted cartouches and inlays of mother-of-pearl. 



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