The Fan
- Artist
- Emil Carlsen, American (born Denmark), 1848–1932
- Date
- c.1919
- Material
- Oil on canvas
- made in
- United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Paintings
- Current Location
- On View, Gallery 329
- Dimensions
- 15 1/4 x 18 1/4 in. (38.7 x 46.4 cm)
framed: 21 5/8 x 24 5/8 x 2 1/2 in. (54.9 x 62.5 x 6.4 cm) - Credit Line
- Museum Purchase
- Rights
- Contact Us
- Object Number
- 14:1919
NOTES
The subtle palette, diffused light, and exquisite objects in this painting invite the viewer to contemplate its quiet mood. The dry texture of the pods, the elegant floral design of the fan and its delicately shaped sticks, and the refined lip of the cup engage our senses. Time slows to a meditative pace.
Emil Carlsen's still lifes express ideals of aestheticism, in which objects and paintings were admired for the refined taste they exemplified. Carlsen's use of fine Japanese objects also reflects their popularity as decorative elements in American homes at the turn of the 19th century.
Emil Carlsen's still lifes express ideals of aestheticism, in which objects and paintings were admired for the refined taste they exemplified. Carlsen's use of fine Japanese objects also reflects their popularity as decorative elements in American homes at the turn of the 19th century.