From the Spectator of June 27, 1711, it appears that it was no easy matter for a lady to learn the necessary tactics and manœuvres of the fan, which, correctly acquired, no doubt formed one of the “accomplishments” of that age. They are thus described:—“Handle your fan; unfurl your fan; discharge your fan; ground your fan; recover your fan; flutter your fan. By the right observation of these few plain words of command, a woman of a tolerable genius, that will apply herself diligently to her exercise for the space of but one half-year, shall be able to give her fan all the graces that can possibly enter into that modish machine.” Directions are also given for the several evolutions, but the last, “Flutter your fan,” was undoubtedly by far the most important.
Among the many subjects devised for fans about this period is a painted one of Bartholomew Fair, temp. 1721, representing a view of Lee and Harper’s great booth, Faux, the conjuror, etc. They included also subjects from the Beggars’ Opera, and the famous works of Hogarth were called into request for the same purpose. Fans at this time were of such proportions as to give many opportunities to caricaturists and writers to make them the object of their ridicule and wit:—
“Say, Jenny, why that monstrous fan?
What purpose does thy bosom move?
Is it to save us or trepan?
Is it to cure or quicken love?
If worn in pity’s gentle cause,
Beneath, unseen, you mean to lie;
I know a thousand eyes it draws,
Which else, perhaps, had wandered by.”