Hand painted silk fan. Satirical scenes of the attempted July 11, 1784 balloon flight of Miolan M. Janinet and the Marquis d'Arlades. Central vignette with balloon flight, left vignette depicting spectators burning the balloon after the flight failed. Hand painted with sequins and gilt decoration, carved and painted guards and sticks. Circa 1780s. Fan approximately 11"H x 19"W open. Some staining and discoloration, some sequins missing, paper repairs to verso, losses to painted decoration on guards and sticks, minor tears at some pleats and fraying along top and bottom edges.
Bonhams January 1997; collection of a prominent Connecticut family.

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