Brisé fan depicting The Battle of the Nile

Unknown

1798 · Pierced, carved, and painted ivory; silk ribbon; steel beads, glass · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Fashion and patriotism combine in this painted ivory brisé fan, which depicts the Battle of the Nile, a major British victory under Admiral Nelson against Napoleon’s forces. The central image features the inscription “1. Nelson. 98” and shows the personification of victory flying over the pyramids, while the naval battle rages in the background. Fans illustrating British military success began to appear in the 1740s, and this is not the only fan that commemorated the famed Battle of the Nile. Inexpensive printed fans were made, titled ‘Nelson & Victory,” listing the ships in the English and French fleets. While this fan commemorates the same event, the hand-painted ivory makes it a much more expensive version.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1798

Medium

Pierced, carved, and painted ivory; silk ribbon; steel beads, glass

Culture

British

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Mrs. William Randolph Hearst, 1965