Waaierblad in Japanse trant beschilderd met een landschap bij opkomende maan 1850 - 1900

This is a fan leaf painted by Edgar Degas in the style of Japanese art. It is decorated with watercolor paint. Notice how Degas has used the fluid nature of watercolor to create a dreamy landscape. The washes of color blend seamlessly, capturing the soft light of the rising moon. The fan’s semi-circular shape enhances the composition, drawing the eye across the scene. The artwork exemplifies the 19th-century enthusiasm for Japanese aesthetics, known as Japonisme. The fan is a functional object elevated to fine art, demonstrating a fusion of craft and artistic expression. Traditionally, fan-making involved specialized artisans, each contributing to the final product. Degas, primarily known as a painter, experimented with this format, blurring the lines between art and craft. This approach challenges our conventional understanding of art history, reminding us that creativity thrives across different disciplines and social contexts.