Mars and Venus: An 18th Century Ivory Fan with ornate...

Lot Description:

Mars and Venus: An 18th Century Ivory Fan with ornate gilded and silvered gorge, a central cartouche and two side vignettes all carved with figures, the remaining sticks carved with profiles, cherubs, tokens of love, and, centrally, a sun. The double vellum leaf, mounted à l'Anglaise, depicts Mars and Venus in a clearing surrounded by cherubs, playing with flowers, climbing stone pedestals, one trying on the helmet discarded by Mars along with his shield. At each side, a vignette painted with still life, the remaining reserves painted with ornate scrolling and small floral sprays. The verso is painted with floral sprays, mainly in gold. Guard length approx. 10.5 inches or 27cm. Together with A Similar Period Mother-of-Pearl Fan, the monture gilded and silvered, the gorge with three definite depictions, figures, some wearing helmets, some ladies in elaborate 18th century dress. Another depiction of Mars and a lady, cherubs cavorting, playing with flowers and discarded armour, and in the sky above, an image that would normally relate to Venus. The verso is plain. Guard length approx. 11.5 inches or 29.5cm (2)

Condition Report:
. First fan, some rubbing to some folds. The gilding and silvering are generally dull, the gilding having survived with some colour. The second fan has a damaged monture, most pieces present, Rubbing to the folds,