Folding fan with a paper leaf on which in watercolour a central medallion with Diana and her nymphs resting by a river, mounted on a frame of pierced and relief-carved ivory with 'métal en quatre couleurs'
From the collection of Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
The central medallion contains a particularly detailed painting of Diana, goddess of the hunt, resting with her nymphs by the edge of a river opposite a waterfall. In the Netherlands, 'Diana resting with her nymphs' has been a particularly popular theme since the 17th century, depicted not only frequently on paintings but also on fan leaves (cf. exh. cat. C. Kammerl, Der Fächer..., Munich 1989, cat. no. 53, p. 139). This is not surprising, as Artemis symbolized female chastity and on this fan is thus linked to marital love. The medallions on either side are themed around (pastoral) love, with on the left a shepherd's staff, basket of flowers, doves, dog representing (marital) fidelity, flat hat and lute; and on the right an altar with a woman's portrait above which two turtledoves, a nest filled with eggs with two young birds, shepherd's staff and hat. The leaf is painted on the reverse with a medallion filled with two turtledoves, hanging from a floral garland.
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’s own descriptionSimilar works
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