Fan, painted vellum and paper, France, 1770-1780

This painted fan depicting a soldier appearing before an enthroned princess probably represents Alexander the Great and Roxana. Alexander is in pseudo-classical dress, while Roxana has the coiffure and, to some extent, the fashion of an 18th century lady. It is also possible that the figures represent Venus and Mars, but Mars would typically be shown disarmed by Cupid in such a scene.

Both stories were symbolic of the union of valor and beauty, and so were considered suitable for marriage fans. Alexander married Roxana, the daughter of Oxyartes of Balkh, a chieftain of Sogdiana, in 327 B.C. Balkh was the last of the Persian Empire's provinces to fall to Alexander, and the marriage was arranged primarily as a means of reconciling its governors to Alexander's rule. However, the historian Plutarch commented in his Life of Alexander that Roxana was 'the only passion which he, the most temperate of men, was overcome by' . Goat vellum leaf (front) painted in watercolour, with main central scene of a soldier, probably Alexander, appearing before an enthroned princess, Roxana, with her attendants.

Both stories were symbolic of the union of valor and beauty, and so were suitable for marriage fans. Ovals to the left and right with still life arrangements. Guards and sticks of turtle-shell pierced, carved silvered and gilded, steel (?) spangles and red tinsel, in a design of figures and flowers, with columns. Simple reverse (paper) painted with spray of flowers. Paste studs. From Mrs Jane Elizabeth King (deceased) as a gift in memory of her late daughter Emily Beauclerk.