Intended as a souvenir, this commemorative fan shows major buildings and monuments of the 1855 Exposition Universelle. On the reverse, or user's side, facts and figures about the exhibition are given. Modeled after the 1851 Crystal Palace Exhibition in London, this exposition and others like it attracted artists as well as merchants and presented an international array of achievements and curiosities to designers and the public.
Credit: Gift of Mrs. Thomas Hunt, 1933
1885
Leaf of painted and gilt lithograph on paper; sticks and guards of pierced ivory; mother-of-pearl rivet
26.4 x 50.2cm
33.82.14
Image and text © Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2019
Where you'll find this
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Permanent collection