Bacchus and Ariadne: A Mid-18th Century Ivory Fan, the monture with carved and pierced, gilded and silvered and quite substantial sticks. The upper guard is carved with a large figure, the lower section with rounded shoulders to complement the gorge sticks. The gorge carving and piercing is almost trompe l'oeil, with borders meandering around to enclose vignettes in a very fluid fashion. Within these borders, some fashioned with chains some with more regular designs, are three vignettes. The inner and larger vignette features four gilded figures in 18th century dress, variously seated or standing, with musical instruments. The two to the side are more angular and backed with burgau, containing gilded cherubs playing. The lower section of the gorge is plain ivory and leads to a rivet topped with diamanté. The vellum leaf, mounted à l'anglaise, is painted in pastel colours, showing a large clearing where a group of friends are at rest, variously seated or standing next to a stone all supporting a large grey urn. Two young maidens are close to Bacchus, who is accepting a goblet of wine from Ariadne. Slightly to the left, Silenus is seated on the grass, playing a curved horn, others dancing further inside the field. At each side of the central gathering, groups of four cherubs are playing with carts. The cart to the left is being pulled by a dog, one winged cherub riding on its back. To the right, the cart is being pulled by one cherub whilst two others hitch a ride, the smallest cherub leading the procession playing another wind instrument. The reserves are painted in shades of soft turquoise with pink and white flowers and fruits, with the addition of a large turquoise diamond with gold highlights. The verso is plain save for a floral border in blues and pink, with green leaves, some highlighting in gold, and a gold bird. Guard length 28cm