Fan

Marius Cini <marius [at] camline__net__mt> writes

>I am currently working on a 19th? century folded hand fan that has
>two hand-painted inserts. On the front insert, the name 'Fortung'
>appears. I have been trying to identify this artist and have been
>unsuccessful.

Could it be Fortuny? Mariano Fortuny was a famous designer working
in Venice and most prominent in the early 20th century. He is
probably best known for developing a special technique for pleating
silk which he then used to make dresses. I am not aware that he made
fans, but know that scarves and painted silk lampshades were
produced under his name, so its not unlikely that he made fans as
well. A quick Internet search will identify many web sites with
references to Fortuny, and there are many books about his work as
well (his dresses quite often get mentioned in fictional works set
in this period).

    **** Moderator's comments: Two other people suggested this and
    one reports that Mr. Cini had already looked into this
    possibility but it didn't resolve his question. Thanks to you
    all of you.

Kylie Scroope
Assistant Director Preservation Projects
National Archives of Australia
PO Box 7425
Canberra Mail Centre ACT 2610
+61 2 6212 3482
Fax: +61 02 6241 6772


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 15:43
                 Distributed: Monday, December 17, 2001
                       Message Id: cdl-15-43-018
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