A wonderful Duvelleroy folding hand fan made as a commemorative for the Paris/ Lyon World Expo 1914. A souvenir fan, artist signed, Maurice Leloir, and made by the lauded French fan company, Duvelleroy. The Exposition internationale urbaine de Lyon was the 1914 World's Fair in the French city of Lyon. The exposition focused on urban planning and public health. Lyon's mayor, Edouard Herriot, organized the exposition with architect, Tony Garnier, and medical Dr. Jules Courmont and it was expected to run from May 1 through Nov 1, 1914. The exposition was planned to last until 1 November but the First World War disturbed the plans and led to the forced closure of the Austrian and German pavilions on 2 August 1914 and most closed shortly thereafter. Much of it was thereafter used as an arms factory during WWI. The fan is in chromolithed silk, from the artwork of Maurice Leloir (1853-1940) combines architecture of Paris and Lyon, (Lutetia and Lucodunum) and the Seine connecting the cities. "Fluctuat New Mergitur - Avant! Avant Lion Le Melhor!" is written on the painted rigor flowing through the beautiful artwork. The back of the fan is a unique embroidered tulle over an iridescent material - very pretty! It is 25.5 cm and has a maximum spread of 46 cm. Duvelleroy had its beginnings in 1827 in Paris.
Very good to excellent condition throughout, as you can see. A very well preserved souvenir fan. There is no box, but it's been treasured well and it displays beautifully. I found one in my research, similar fine condition, but I have been unable to learn how many were created. Whether given to dignitaries, perhaps, as their souvenir, or created in higher numbers as a souvenir to sell to Expo attendees also remains a mystery. One would think if a great many had been made, I'd find more than one in my searches. Silk is in fine form at folds and undamaged, and no damage notable to guards, monture.
