Anthony and Cleopatra: An 18th Century Ivory Fan, with extravagant monture, the heavy sticks carved and pierced, silvered and gilded, and in the form known as "battoire". In the centre of the gorge a cherub is holding a sheaf of corn before the goddess Ceres. Single sticks are carved with ornate lattice, sticks in pairs have four cherubs aloft, a shield below, and flowers, some of the gilding in two shades. Birds and flowers feature elsewhere. The double paper leaf is painted with a classical interior, possibly showing the union of Anthony and Cleopatra. The figure of Fame blows her trumpet above a smoking altar of love and in the foreground is a prominent pile of discarded armour and emblems of Rome. Anthony, wearing a breastplate and extravagantly plumed helmet, is walking towards a kneeling woman who appears to be showing a string of pearls. Cleopatra, in yellow flowing robes and pink cloak held from the floor by a page, holds his hand. To the left a lady plays the harp. To the right a young maiden dressed in pink and blue holds a tray, casting a coquettish glance at a young soldier leaning nonchalantly on his shield. The reserves are dark, and gilded. The verso, also with dark and gilded reserves, shows a solitary young woman dressed in blue and pink, in the countryside. Guard length 26cm