Folding 'ball' fan

• Gift of the Cercle de l'Éventail
• Circa 1905
• Cream silk pongee, silvered flat oval sequins, tufts of white feathers, mother of pearl ribbing and rivet, silver metal thumb guard, cream ribbon
• GAL2003.17.2
• Palais Galliera, musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris

This spectacular evening fan belonged to actress Sarah Bernhardt (1844–1923). Its feather and sequin embellishments are typical of Belle Epoque fans. The museum possesses a number of Sarah Bernhardt's garments and accessories, among them a pair of gloves, an ermine collar and a cream satin stage dress dating from around 1890, embroidered with gilded metal thread, glass beads and red cabochons.

Notice's author : Marie-Laure Gutton