Bevy of Cherubs

Fan with carved and gilt mother of pearl sticks, the guards carved in high relief with putti ascending a maypole.

The double canepin leaf is painted on the recto with putti bearing a garland of polychrome flowers; signed E. Parmentier.

The verso is painted with a Spanish crown and four winged insects; signed Alexandre.

Parmentier, E. (French, d. 1875)
Probably Eugénie Parmentier née Morin. She features in the Paris Salon of 1859 – 1867 with miniatures and portraits, and obtained a medal in 1864.

Alexandre, Félix. (French, b. 1823)
Designer and painter, who rose to fame during the 1850s to become fan-maker to Empress Eugenie, the Queen of the Netherlands and Queen Victoria. He was one of the first fan makers to employ fashionable painters and designers.