The Rehearsal: A Mid-18th Century White Mother-of-Pearl Fan, lightly silvered and gilded, the carving in the upper guards classical and quite formal. A single spray of flowers crosses the gorge. The double paper leaf shows an elegant couple, the lady in pale pink with white petticoat, a large plumed hat atop a tall hairstyle, her bodice embellished with a stomacher, her sleeves elbow length and trimmed with lace. The gentleman is holding her right hand, his left hand folded as if pressed to his heart. An elegant gentleman faces the couple and appears to be reading to them from a book, perhaps helping in a wedding rehearsal? He is finely dressed in a long red waistcoat embellished with gilt buttons and braised pocket flaps, mauve breeches, a blonde formal wig, a sword by his side and a long stick on which he leans. Cupid, with a blue sash and quiver containing arrows, supervises the proceedings, fanning flames, an arbour brimming with flower garlands to the rear and many more garlands cast around. To the right another couple seated under a tree, the lady wearing powder blue with a laced front bodice, and lace trimmed elbow length sleeves. A small straw bonnet rests atop her formal hairstyle which allows for tumbling ringlets. Her gentleman companion appears to be wearing a powdered wig. The reserves, painted in mid brown, are highly gilded. On the verso a solitary lady is taking the opportunity to read in a peaceful rural settling. Her deep pink robe is trimmed with lace on the low neckline and elbow length sleeves. Her hair is secured with a blue ribbon. The verso is bordered with pink and blue roses and swathes of leaves. Guard length 27.5cm