Briséwaaier van hout, gedeeltelijk beschilderd met bloemen en geheel gevernist 1885

This is a wooden fan, partially painted with flowers and fully varnished, made by Gijs Bosch Reitz. Though undated, its style and the artist’s dates place it at the turn of the 20th century. Considered as a fashionable accessory, the fan was laden with social meaning. This particular fan's floral decoration and delicate construction speak to the feminine ideals of the time, where women were expected to embody beauty and refinement. In a society deeply divided by class, owning such an item could signify one's social standing and adherence to cultural norms. Reitz, born in 1860, lived through a period of significant social and cultural change in the Netherlands, marked by industrialization, urbanization, and evolving class structures. The fan, therefore, becomes a lens through which we can examine the values and aspirations of the Dutch bourgeoisie. Historians might consult fashion journals, social commentaries, and biographical details to gain a deeper understanding of its role. Appreciating art in its historical context allows us to understand the complex dialogue between creativity and society.