Atelier waar waaiers worden beschilderd 1751 - 1772

Curator: Here we have "Atelier waar waaiers worden beschilderd," dating from 1751-1772, attributed to A.J. Defehrt. It's an etching, almost like a diagram. What strikes you immediately about it? Editor: It's remarkably still, isn't it? Like looking at a stage set, almost. The fan maker seems suspended in a quiet bubble of creation. I'm intrigued by the stark geometry of the room above these various objects that show how a fan is designed and created. Curator: Indeed. It functions almost as a glimpse into a world defined by Rococo ideals—precision, artistry, a fascination with craftsmanship—while also showcasing the practical side. You see how these carefully etched lines are as precise as the artisans’s measurements for making each individual fan. There's something beautifully pragmatic in that. Editor: The fan itself, as a cultural symbol, whispers of so much—intimacy, coded communication, social grace. The way this piece breaks down its construction makes me consider all of the meanings imbued in a single accessory. It isn't just to provide a gentle breeze, but an artifact loaded with layers, hidden from casual observance. Curator: Absolutely, each piece shown is a clue to unlocking that understanding. The semi-circular shapes are very pronounced; these recall notions of completion but are still somehow unfinished until a narrative or image is drawn. Even the light feels studied, adding to that sense of refined, intellectualised vision of the world. And you have two window views as an extra layer of narrative meaning here too. Editor: Yes, and even without color, this etching speaks volumes about light and shadow and craft. It makes me wonder about the stories these fans would eventually carry and tell through its illustrations once it has left this Atelier to some special soiree or ball. The line-work here really invites us to fill in those stories. Curator: A delicious, quiet moment indeed, framed perfectly. So glad we paused here. Editor: Agreed. Definitely makes one appreciate the hidden labor in every art form, from etching to fan-making!