Happy Ever After

Fan with carved, pierced and gilt mother of pearl sticks, the gorge forming three cartouches backed with burgau (a type of sea snail shell prized for its iridescent, translucent quality).

The double canepin leaf is painted on the recto with interlinked narratives featuring a reoccurring female figure; signed and dated A. Soldé, 1859.

Soldé, Alexandre (French, 1822 – 1893)
Painter of a number of fans, including one sold at the Alexandre sale of 1875.