An Early 18th Century Ivory Biblical Fan with simple monture,...

Lot Description:

An Early 18th Century Ivory Biblical Fan with simple monture, and reasonably bulbous head. The vellum leaf, mounted à l'Anglaise, shows an elderly man in long brown robe, and hat with upturned rim, seated under a tree, a lady in blue robe and brown cloak, the latter wrapped around a naked child at her feet, sits to converse. Perhaps a depiction of Abraham and his former mistress Sarah, and their son Ishmael, after she has been forced to leave after taunting Abraham's wife Sarah about her continued barrenness. A large house and tower are just visible in the background. The leaf borders are all adorned with small gold foil leaves, and flowers. The verso is plain. Guard length approx. 10.5 inches or 26.5cm. Together with Another Early Ivory Fan with shaped and bulbous head, the upper guards painted in pink, green and lilac with vines and bunches of grapes. The gorge sticks are shaped and carved with naked children striking poses, perhaps relating to sporting or musical activities. The double leaf is painted with a simple scene of a maiden conversing with a stranger, dressed in rather flamboyant costume and large hat, possible a street player or actor. A house in the background appears to be built on stilts with access by ladder. The simplicity of the scene is balanced by the addition of gold highlights to the costume, house and elegant weeping willow. The verso is plain. Guard length approx. 9.75 inches or 25cm (2)

Condition Report:
. The first fan is sound, although loss to two of the ribs have caused the gorge sticks to detach. Rubbing to the folds. One or two of the foil leaves are missing. A small patch of clear tape is noted along the top border on the verso. The second fan has retained good bright colours and gold highlights. A central gorge stick has broken and a small section between the break and the head is missing.