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Notes

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Folding fan, the sticks and guards richly carved and gilt with heart shapes and Classical figures in the gorge (the term used to describe the central area of the sticks directly below the leaf). The leaf is painted on the recto with the myth of Hercules and the Lydian Queen, Omphale. According to legend, Hercules was enslaved to Omphale as a punishment for inadvertently murdering prince Iphitus. In an act of gender role reversal designed to further humiliate the heroic warrior, Omphale ordered that Hercules wear women’s clothing and assist her maidens with the spinning of yarn. The composition decorating the fan shows exactly this scene with Omphale having taken for herself Hercules’ club (a symbol of his prowess) and attire.

The Fan Museum

London

Title

Omphale and Hercules

Date

c.1780

Medium

mother of pearl, gouache & watercolour on paper with sequins

Measurements

H 27 x W (?) cm

Accession number

HA1925

Acquisition method

purchased privately by the owner, Mrs H. E. Alexander

Work type

Watercolour

The Fan Museum

12 Crooms Hill, London, Greater London SE10 8ER England

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Artist or maker

unknown artist

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