This is one of four fans presented to the Queen by Prince Albert at around the time of their marriage, and the Queen recorded the gift with pleasure (‘4 beautiful old Fans’) in her Journal (9 February 1840). They came from the outstanding collection of fans at Gotha which had largely been formed by Prince Albert’s grandfather, Duke Augustus of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg (1772–1822), with help from the dealer Joseph Meyer. This example dates from around 1750 and is of the ‘baton’ type - named for the cylindrical shape of the fan when closed. The guards are intricately carved with scrolls and figures and each is topped with a carefully carved head with a pierced ear in which is set a metal earring. The guards and sticks are German but the leaf of the fan was painted in France. The subject of the leaf, which shows a courting couple in a pastoral setting, is particularly appropriate for the occasion of its presentation to the Queen.

Text adapted from Victoria & Albert: Art & Love, London, 2010