Fan 1830 - 1865

This is Eugene Andion’s fan, a delicate object whose creation date is unknown, currently held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Its semi-circular form, a convergence of radiating lines and pictorial bands, presents an intriguing interplay of structure and representation. Notice how the composition is divided into distinct registers. The uppermost band displays a scene populated with figures, while the lower sections feature ornamental motifs and geometric patterns. The black vertical lines of the fan’s structure bisect and frame these images, creating a sense of rhythm and visual complexity. What interests me most here is the fan’s function as both a decorative object and a medium for conveying symbolic meaning. The juxtaposition of representational scenes with abstract designs suggests a dialogue between art and craft, narrative and ornamentation. It invites us to consider how even the most functional objects can become sites of aesthetic and intellectual exploration.