Portret van Henrietta Ponsonby 1781 - 1815

This is Francesco Bartolozzi’s portrait of Henrietta Ponsonby, crafted with engraving. Here, Henrietta is captured in a moment of thoughtful repose, holding a fan. This simple object, the fan, speaks volumes. The fan's history traces back to ancient civilizations, such as Egypt and Greece, used as a symbol of status. By the 18th century, as we see here, it had become a crucial tool in the language of courtship and social interaction. A woman could convey a whole range of emotions and intentions merely through the way she held or manipulated her fan. Consider how these gestures evolved: in medieval times a raised hand with open palm was a symbol of supplication, later echoed in the Renaissance with dramatic theatrical gestures. The fan carries forward this tradition of non-verbal communication, adapting and reinventing itself across time. These objects are not merely props; they engage us on a deep, almost subconscious level, unlocking hidden realms of emotion and historical memory. The cyclical dance of symbols continues.