The birth of the dolphin, circa 1781 Folded fan,... Lot 39

The birth of the dolphin, circa 1781 Folded fan, the paper sheet painted on an azure blue background with bunches of silver roses (oxidized), and garlands of golden flowers. In the center, a couple of shepherds banter with a child. Reverse: sketch of landscape. Mounting in ivory* cut, engraved, silvered and gilded with flowers. In the centre, a love dominates a coat of arms stamped with fleurs-de-lis, supported by two dolphins. This unusual composition seems to evoke the long-awaited birth of Louis-Joseph, son of Marie-Antoinette and Louis XVI, born on 22 October 1781. He is the heir to the crown of France, dauphin of France until his death in 1789. H.t. 28 cm-H.f. 13 cm (wear, cuts, stains, restorations) WEIGHT 58 gr