At the Theater 1879

Mary Cassatt captured this pastel of a woman at the theater. She holds an open fan, which has long served as a complex symbol. The fan itself carries an emotional charge. From ancient rituals of flabellum to the delicate gestures of courtship in 18th-century Europe, fans signal many things. In some cultures, a fan might ward off evil or cool the body, but it also signifies status and the power of display. It is a tool of social engagement as much as a shield. In Japan, the fan is featured in religious dances, and war. Here, the lady’s fan, adorned with floral motifs, hides part of her face. It evokes a sense of mystery and control. The symbolic weight of the fan, passed down through history, is a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The object resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings as cultures change.