December 11, 2025–May 12, 2026
The Met
The hand-held fan, often regarded merely as a feminine accessory, played a surprisingly influential role in 19th-century European art. Fanmania explores this unexpected muse that captivated some of the era’s most innovative avant-garde artists, including renowned French Impressionists such as Edgar Degas and Camille Pissarro. These artists did not simply depict fans in their works; some even used the fan’s unique semicircular shape as an experimental canvas, embracing its formal and technical challenges to push boundaries of traditional art.
This exhibition delves into the fascination artists held for fans, revealing complex themes of gender dynamics, courtship rituals, and consumer culture of the time. Fans were more than decorative objects; they served as tools of communication and symbols of social status. Furthermore, the show highlights artists’ interest in fans originating from Asia and Spain, illustrating cross-cultural exchanges and the appropriation that influenced European art innovations. Commercial ambitions also played a pivotal role, as artists and producers recognized the fan’s popularity across various social levels.
Featuring more than 75 artworks from The Met’s vast collection, Fanmania presents a multimedia experience that includes painted and printed fans alongside paintings and prints that portray women elegantly wielding these accessories. Together, these works illuminate the broader phenomenon of “fanmania” and its impact on modern art history. The exhibition promises a compelling journey into how a seemingly simple object became a fulcrum of artistic experimentation and societal reflection.
For art lovers and cultural historians alike, this exhibition offers a fresh perspective on the intersection between fashion, art, and social commentary. To learn more, visit the official exhibition page at The Met.
