The Molier Circus Fan, 1883, bearing a poem by Gaston Jolivet on the verso. Dated on the recto 17th mai 1883, this fan design is by John-Lewis Brown, born in Bordeaux in 1829. The wood monture, polished on the guards which are also shaped to resemble twigs, bears a double paper leaf. The recto shows scenes from a circus, and is dedicated by the artist "A son ami Molier" above the date and his signature. Printed and hand coloured, showing to the left the Ringmaster and his prancing horse, centrally a female performer riding side saddle, holding an open folding fan with leaf showing an arrow within a red heart, and in the foreground, a couple of performers taking their bow after their Act, the lady holding a bouquet of flowers. To the right, above the dedication, a clown with bouffant hair, his body protruding from within a pantomime horse costume with the horse's head and tail and a red cape. On the back, a poem or song in five verses written in blue, in French, appearing to be original rather than printed, entitled "Salut à Molier" and signed to the right Gaston Jollivet mai 1883. Guard length 11.25 inches or 28.5cm
Ernest Molier, not to be confused with Molière, is an almost legendary figure from the Belle Epoque, a man whose interest in the equestrian arts led him, eventually, in 1880, to open a circus in Paris, 6 rue Bénouville, the 16 ième. Much frequented by Aristocrats, actors and journalists (and featuring them as performers), the circus featured gymnastics, dance and pantomime. Mata Hari once performed there as a horse rider. Gaston Jollivet was a journalist and playwright in the period.