27th May, 2020 10:30 GMT/BST

Fans and Fancies - Online Only

 
Lot 4011
 

4011

The Abduction of Europa: A Fine Early 18th Century Ivory Brisé Fan, with tortoiseshell thumb...

The Abduction of Europa: A Fine Early 18th Century Ivory Brisé Fan, with tortoiseshell thumb guards, the recto painted with a charming and detailed depiction of Europa, a Phoenician princess. Having been leisurely picking flowers with her maidens, Europa came across a fine white bull amidst her father's herds, unaware that Zeus had assumed this form in order to beguile her and whisk her off to Crete where he showered her with gifts, revealed his true identity and appointed her the first Queen of Crete. A Nereid (sea nymph) holding a flaming torch and proffering a garland of flowers, is shown riding a dolphin to the left of the scene. The verso is well painted with a lady seated at the waterside, a large stone building behind trees, a peacock at her feet. Perched on her right hand, a red parrot, considered since ancient times to be a symbol of fidelity, lasting love and commitment. Contained in a card fan box covered in brocade, woven in bands of cream, green, red and light blue. Guard length 8.25 inches or 21cm
Not Sold

 

. Generally in good order, some slight loss to the paint on the guards, the upper section of five inner sticks with slight loss, and some signs of paint touch-up. The box is sound, with the underside and inner lid foxed. NB, hard to fully determine whether bone or ivory, the unpainted area on the guard has evidence of graining.

 


We are happy to provide Condition Reports to prospective buyers, but would welcome your request as soon as possible, preferably at least 48 hours before the Day of Sale. We cannot guarantee a reply to any requests made within 48 hours of the start of the auction. The absence of a Condition Report from a lot does not mean that the lot is in perfect condition. A Condition Report is an honest expression of our opinion, not a statement of fact and is provided as a service to the seller. All lots are available on public view ahead of an auction and we encourage prospective buyers to inspect an item in person where possible. Our Condition Reports are not prepared by professional conservators, restorers, or engineers, and are prepared with the naked eye unless otherwise stated.

Regarding Pictures, Prints and Works on Paper, works are not examined out of the frame, unless specifically stated. Tennants Auctioneers do not cover damage to gilded wood or plaster picture frames, or to picture frame glass whilst the item is in our possession.

We accept no liability for the opinions expressed in any Condition Report.

Auction: Fans and Fancies - Online Only, 27th May, 2020

Fans and Fancies - Online Only

View all lots in this sale

Sell one like this

If you've got a similar item to sell, complete the valuation form below and one of our experts will get in touch. 

YOUR DETAILS

ITEM DETAILS

Upload images

Drag and drop .jpg images here to upload, or click here to select images.


CONFIRM & SUBMIT