Fan Design with Republican Assignats (French Revolutionary Money) 1790 - 1800

This anonymous fan design incorporates republican assignats, paper money issued during the French Revolution, and offers a glimpse into the social and economic turbulence of the late 18th century. The assignats, initially introduced to alleviate financial crisis, became a symbol of revolutionary ideals and, eventually, economic instability. The fan, traditionally an object associated with femininity and aristocratic culture, is here transformed into a political canvas. Its imagery reflects a society in flux, grappling with new forms of currency and governance. The juxtaposition of the fan's delicate form with the imagery of revolutionary currency speaks to the complex relationship between personal identity and political upheaval. The design asks: How did everyday citizens, regardless of gender or class, experience the revolution's promises and perils? It stands as a poignant reminder of how political and economic shifts permeate all aspects of life, blurring the lines between the personal and the political.