A heraldic fan leaf, a quick ready reference designed to interpret the status of British royalty and nobility with reasonable accuracy. Presumably the fan was intended as an accessory at the theatre, pleasure gardens and and other social events. The outer row contain heraldic charges beneath which are the crowns the Prince of Wales and various lesser crowned nobility; next are ‘Distinction of Houses’ and examples of ‘Knight of the Garter’ and ‘Commoner & his Lady’; next are ‘Points of Escutcheon’, ‘Metals & Colours’, ‘Furrs’ interspersed with how to distinguish a Bishop from and a Baronet and lastly there is a row of division of the field, very helpfully distinguishing between those men who have had 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 wives and and an heiress and possibly the future number 8.
- Printmaker: Ovenden, T., active 1790-1813, printmaker.
- Title: [Heraldic fan leaf] [graphic] / Ovenden sculpt.,Butcher Row.
- Publication: [London] : Pubd. as the act directs Feby. 11, 1792, by F. Martin & Co., [11 February 1792]
- Distribution: [London] : Sold by Sarah Ashton, Fan Maker, No. 28 Little
792.02.11.01+
Acquired September 2018