Fan With Optical System - France - Galeries Du Palais Royal - C. 1825

Folded fan; the main panel is painted in gouache and richly decorated with gold in the Gothic style, featuring a large painted scene depicting a pond on a neoclassical estate.
Two couples are joyfully boating while another chats peacefully onthe lawn. Large gilded arabesque decorations accented by roses.
The reverse features an etching enhanced with gouache roses, depicting a couple andtheir young daughter buying flowerpots from a street vendor.
Beautiful mother-of-pearl mount; the plumes are re-pierced and carved, featuring in the centerof the baton a gold-enameled medallion depicting a pansy. The bases of the monture re-pierced and inlaid with a lens. When closed, the fan can function as a magnifying glass, adjusting to the pressure of the thumb and index finger.
In fair condition.
France, c. 1825

Note: The term “Palais Royal frame” is sometimes used todescribe ornate fans sold in the galleries of the Palais Royal, with theenameled medallion serving as a rebus reminiscent of the Ancien Régime:I think of you, think of me.