Mourning fan

Unknown

1887–89 · wood, silk, mother-of-pearl, metal · Costume Institute

This fan belonged to Amelia Beard Hollenback (1844-1918), wife of the prominent financier and philanthropist John Welles Hollenback (1835-1923). The fan was most likely part of Amelia's mourning wardrobe worn after the death of her closest sister, Julia Beard (1849-1887). Made up in the appropriate materials and dimensions of the late 1880s, women continued to follow the dictates of fashion even during mourning.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1887–89

Medium

wood, silk, mother-of-pearl, metal

Culture

American

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Amelia Beard Hollenback, 1966