A Rare Fan From The House Of Duvelleroy, With A Leaf Signed By Gustave Lasselaz – Carved Mother-of-pearl

A rare and exceptional luxury fan crafted around 1890 by the prestigious Maison Duvelleroy, one of the most famous Parisian fan manufacturers.

A true work of art from the Belle Époque, this piece features a sumptuous carved mother-of-pearl frame, a hand-painted vellum panel, and the signature of the painter Gustave Lasselaz, one of the specialized artists who collaborated with the great Parisian fan-making houses.

The white mother-of-pearl frame is of remarkable quality. Entirely carved, re-drilled, and engraved, it features a design of exceptional finesse composed of rocaille scrollwork, flowers in high relief, and delicately chiseled birds and cherubs. The richly crafted plumes are enhanced with gilding and polychrome decoration.
This virtuosity of execution attests to a product intended for a particularly discerning clientele.

The vellum sheet is painted in gouache with a delicate allegory of Love and the Arts in the spirit of the 18th century.
An elegant young woman draped in the classical style, holding a feather, is surrounded by numerous Cupids moving among the clouds. One of them presents her with a mirror, while two doves—symbols of Love and fidelity—complete this composition. The borders are adorned with fine rocaille motifs delicately highlighted in gold.

The fan leaf is signed by Gustave Lasselaz, a painter of fan leaves active in Paris in the late 19th century. His name appears among the specialized artists who supplied their works to the most prestigious fan-making houses, notably Duvelleroy, Alexandre, and Ernest Kees. His compositions, inspired by the 18th-century masters, were intended for the most refined fans of the Belle Époque.

The reverse side of the panel bears the red stamp of the House of Duvelleroy, a valuable seal of authenticity attesting to its sale by this prestigious Parisian firm.

• Open diameter: 65 cm

Thanks to the exceptional quality of its frame, the finesse of its painting, and its excellent state of preservation, this fan is a first-rate piece, representative of French craftsmanship in the decorative arts of the Belle Époque.

PFounded in Paris in 1827 by Jean-Pierre Duvelleroy, Maison Duvelleroy is one of France’s most prestigious fan-making houses. A supplier to the imperial and royal courts of Europe, it collaborated with the finest painters, mother-of-pearl carvers, and artisans of its time to create fans of exceptional luxury. Having won awards at World’s Fairs, its creations are now featured in the collections of the Musée Galliera, the Musée de l’Éventail in Paris, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, as well as in numerous private collections.