The centre of the leaf is occupied by figures probably intended to represent Venus and Mars, with the amorini who have disarmed Mars. According to ancient mythology, Venus, goddess of love, fell in love with the brutal and aggressive Mars, god of war. The story was symbolic of the union of beauty and valour, a suitable subject for use on marriage fans. To left and right are profile heads; although one might assume that they are likenesses of the bride and groom, the laurel crown worn on the mature head on the left might suggest otherwise. The guards and sticks are decorated with further romantic motifs (including amorini and flaming hearts) and a pair of doves is depicted on the verso.

The golden colouring and design of the leaf are typical features of fan leaves produced in Holland. The sticks are particularly fine examples of the battoire form - incorporating oval panels similar in shape to a racquet (battoire in French) - popular in France at this time. Luxury goods produced in France were frequently imported to the Netherlands. A Dutch guidebook for merchants visiting Paris in 1751 (the Journal du Citoyen) quotes wholesale prices for fans: these must apply to unmounted sticks as leaves are never mentioned. Alternatively, the sticks may have been produced in Holland, for the Amsterdam fan industry was dominated by Huguenots.

Text adapted from Unfolding Pictures: Fans in the Royal Collection 2005