Waaier in een kader 1834 - 1911

This is Jozef Israëls’ sketch of a fan in a frame, an object whose symbolism is as layered as the delicate folds of the fan itself. Here, the fan is not merely an accessory but a signifier of status and cultural identity, echoing similar motifs found across diverse historical periods. From the flabella in ancient Rome, used in religious ceremonies and as emblems of power, to the elaborate fans of the Qing Dynasty, the object carries cultural weight. The gesture of concealing or revealing the face with a fan speaks to a deeper human desire for privacy, reflecting a complex dance of revelation and concealment. Like a mask, the fan allows for the projection of one's inner self while simultaneously guarding it, creating a powerful visual tension. It's an object that flutters across cultures, bearing traces of shifting meanings and enduring human emotions.