A fan with a rebus on Love on one side Fortune on the other 1634 - 1644

This fan, dating from 1634 to 1644, is a fine example of the work of Stefano della Bella, an Italian draftsman and printmaker. The fan's paper surface is adorned with a rebus, a pictorial puzzle, with multiple images depicting "Love" on one side and "Fortune" on the other. While the exact meaning of these symbols remains a bit of a mystery, the intricately drawn images give insight into the playful and intellectual nature of the artwork. The intricate details, including a small ship and a winged bird, are representative of the high quality of Della Bella's work. The fan, crafted with a wooden handle and adorned with colorful fabric tassels, serves as a beautiful example of an artistic object that was both functional and decorative.