Fan 1880

This fan, of undetermined date, was created by the Donaldson Brothers. During the Victorian era, fans were more than simple cooling devices. They were integral to the performance of femininity, embodying social status, and acting as a canvas for cultural expression. Notice the three central portraits of women, likely archetypes of feminine beauty, framed by an idealized floral setting. These images reflect the era's restrictive beauty standards, celebrating a narrow definition of womanhood while sidelining other identities. The hat images around the edge of the fan reference fashionable trends, reminding us that the feminine ideal was often dictated by commercial interests. This object is very much a product of its time, reflecting a society grappling with rapid industrialization, evolving gender roles, and the burgeoning power of consumer culture. It serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and contradictions inherent in the performance of identity.