This fan displays a contrast between the simplicity of the decoration of its needlepoint Alençon lace leaf and the complexity of its mother-of-pearl frame carved and gilded with various motifs. It is part of the world's largest collection of needle lace gathered in the 'lace section of the Musée des Beaux-Arts et de la Dentelle (Museum of Fine Arts and Lace) of Alençon. If this collection has several fans, it mainly includes 220 pieces or samples of Point d'Alençon, hence a little more than 15% of the 1,200 pieces on display. The rest of the collection mostly consists of French bobbin or needle lace and rare mechanical laces.