Fans: Heating Things Up During the Victorian Era
While the functional use of a fan is to cool things off, during the 19th century they were more often used to heat things up. Fans were used as tools of discreet communication between the sexes, creating a social intercourse ranging from flirtatious desire to devoted love.
While the functional use of a fan is to cool things off, during the 19th century they were more often used to heat things up. Fans were used as tools of discreet communication between the sexes, creating a social intercourse ranging from flirtatious desire to devoted love.
Twirling the fan in the right hand meant, “I love another,” as seen in this print from the late 19th / early 20th century.
V.68.1853.112 A fan half opened and pressed to the lips gave permission for a kiss, as seen in this cigarette label, c1885
V.2012.04.468
Drawing the fan across one’s cheek told that special someone, “I love you.”
V.57.215.41 (French bisque figurine, c. 1890)
Since fans gained much attention for the feelings they conveyed, they were one of the most decorative accessories a Victorian woman would own as seen in the examples below from the Valentine’s Costume and Textile collection.
Off white silk satin folding leaf fan with ivory sticks, c. 1895
V.67.115.54
White dove feathers topped with peacock feathers folding leaf fan with wooden sticks, c. 1895
V.74.79.05
Large folding leaf fan with sheer silk painted with a dogwood flower motif, 1891
V.73.174.04
Paper painted fan with outdoor dining scene, 1890
V.72.501.08
Silk and ivory fan with woman and flowers, c. 1895
V.69.98
Painted paper folding leaf fan with floral motif and musical instruments, couple at center; painted wooden sticks and guard, 1890
V.70.886
White cotton backed satin with white cotton twill painted floral sprays in pink and blue with a row of chicken feathers across the top; carved ivory sticks, 1889
V.48.79.08
Red silk satin folding leaf fan with carved wooden sticks and guards painted with birds and a flowering tree, 1890
V.60.32.02
