 |
The Osborne House Fan
Commissioned by Queen Victoria, 1861
Painted by Emma Roberts
Paper Leaf, Tortoise Shell, Albumen Prints
Silver, Gold, Amethysts
The Royal Collection
|
This fan was painted in August of 1861 by Emma Roberts (daughter of the artist James Roberts) for Queen Victoria who commissioned the fan as a souvenir of their many happy days spent at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. The paper leaf on the front of the fan is painted in a deep blue with gold scrollwork at the center of which is a cartouche showing Osborne house surrounded by putti (cherubs). The reverse of the fan leaf shows a trellis and central cartouche of a floral scene upon which the word “souvenir” appears. The tortoise shell sticks have been inset with miniature photographs of Prince Albert, the five princesses and four princes set in small silver frames. The fan's pin is gold set with foil-backed amethysts.
It is believed that Queen Victoria commissioned this fan to present as a gift to Princess Alice on the occasion of her wedding. However the fan remained un-presented as the wedding was postponed due to the death of Prince Albert.
No comments:
Post a Comment