The language of the fan

The sixteenth century English writer, Joseph Addison, stated: "Men have the sword, women have the fan and the fan is probably as effective a weapon!"

The Language of the Fan demonstrates the hidden language of the fan, an art that has been lost, but was once widely followed. Click here for a fascinating explanation. The Language of the Fan.


In Georgian England, women wore fans as a fashion accessory with almost every outfit that they owned. "There were daytime fans, white satin bridal fans and even mourning fans painted with grisaille, i.e. black, white and grey. Classical fans, brought from Italy, replaced the luscious rococo of the French. As well as drawing attention to beautiful and perfectly manicured hands, these items played a big part in delicate flirtations."

Madame Devaucy, J.A.D. Ingres, 1807

For more about these beautiful and fashionable accessories, go to the following sites:

Fans in 19th Century Europe

Hampshire Museum Fans