Fan: The Races at La Marche 1885

John-Lewis Brown created this fan, titled *The Races at La Marche*, using watercolor and gouache on paper, mounted on a fan. Brown was a genre painter, known for his depictions of military scenes and equestrian subjects. During the 19th century, the fan operated as an essential accessory for upper-class women, conveying social status and sophistication. More than just a fashion item, it was a canvas that mirrored the lives of its owners. Brown’s choice to illustrate a day at the races speaks to the leisure activities of the elite. What do you think of when you look at it? The image displays not just a scene, but a social ecosystem defined by class and leisure. By depicting figures engaged in this spectacle, Brown invites us to consider how social rituals play a role in shaping identities and perpetuating class structures. Think of the fan not just as an object but as an artifact that captures a moment in time. How does it make you feel?