Venus interceding with Jupiter
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1740-70
This folding fan dates from between 1740 and 1770 and was made by an unknown maker, likely in France or Great Britain. When fully open, it measures 56 cm in width, with guards measuring 29 cm in length; when closed, it has dimensions of 29 cm in length, 3 cm in width, and 2 cm in depth. The leaf is made of paper executed with gouache and watercolour, and the sticks and guards are made of ivory.
The front of the leaf features a classical mythological scene depicting Venus interceding with Jupiter, executed with theatrical poses, bold colours, and strong lighting contrasts. The reverse of the paper leaf is painted with a Chinoiserie scene. Below the leaf, the ivory sticks and guard sticks are carved and pierced in openwork patterns, featuring painted cartouches and decorative inlays of mother-of-pearl.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
Classical mythology was a frequent source of inspiration for eighteenth-century fan painters, alongside decorative motifs such as Chinoiserie.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Gouache on paper, with ivory sticks and guards, carved, pierced, painted and inlaid with mother-of-pearl
- Dimensions
- Width: 56 cm; Length (length of guard): 29 cm; Length: 29 cm; Width: 3 cm; Depth: 2 cm
Technical characteristics
- Maker recorded
- Unknown
- Place recorded
- France, Great Britain
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Venus interceding with Jupiter
- Museum object number
- T.85-1956
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.