Promotional Fan for Münchener Jahresausstellung

Promotional folding fan composed of stained wood, cardboard, printed paper reproductions, and silk ribbon. The fan is formed of twelve shaped leaves mounted between wooden guards and joined by a pale pink ribbon, allowing the leaves to unfold into a broad pictorial display.

The obverse is decorated with a series of reproductions of contemporary paintings exhibited at the end of the nineteenth century. Arranged across the leaves are compositions representing a variety of academic genres, including portraiture, genre scenes, military subjects, animal studies, pastoral landscapes, and scenes of everyday life. Among the depicted subjects are elegantly dressed ladies, character studies, rural landscapes, equestrian scenes, a cow, and military figures. Each reproduction bears the name of the corresponding artist, while several examples also retain dates ranging from 1898 to 1899. Executed in a harmonious palette of warm browns, muted greens, creams, soft pinks, and golden tones, the images create a continuous decorative composition when the fan is fully opened.

The reverse of the leaves is finished in metallic gold, providing an elegant contrast to the pictorial decoration and enhancing the luxurious appearance of the object. The combination of fine materials and carefully selected reproductions transforms the fan into both a functional accessory and a miniature exhibition catalogue.

The fan was most likely produced as a commemorative souvenir of the Münchener Jahresausstellung of 1899, held at the Königlicher Glaspalast (Royal Glass Palace) in Munich. Through its selection of reproduced works, it offers a valuable visual testimony to the artistic tastes, exhibition culture, and collecting practices of the fin de siècle period.