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Embarkation of the Pilgrims Fan
1875-1900
Photo Gravure Co., printer; A. C. Bosselman, producer
USA: New York, New York
Wood; paper; metal; paint
open: 12-1/2"h x 18-1/2"w x 1"d; closed: 12"h plus tassel x 1"w x 1"d
Gift of the Estate of Russell J. and Vera L. Wilder
75.69.99

Embarkation of the Pilgrims Fan with tassle; wooden sticks, paper fan printed with photo gravure of the painting, "Embarkation of the Pilgrims"; painted with silver and blue flowers and glued on brilliants; cord tassel hung from metal handle.


In 1843 Robert W. Weir painted a scene of the Pilgrims leaving Holland for Massachusetts for the United States Capitol building. Weir’s painting later ornamented $50 notes. He also recreated a copy for exhibition at the 1876 Centennial Exposition. In the late 1800s, a souvenir maker used Weir’s image to decorate this fan. William Bradford, the chronicler of the Pilgrims' settlement, penned the words under the image: “Truly dolful was ye sight of that sad and mournfull parting.” They describe the travelers’ feelings as they left friends and family behind. For further information, see Blog post, October 23, 2012 http://nationalheritagemuseum.typepad.com/library_and_archives/2012/10/are-you-a-fan-of-pilgrims.html.