The History of the Lorgnette - Mimi Matthews Brisé lorgnette fan, French, late 18th early 19th century (Courtesy of Museum of Fine Arts, Boston ) The lorgnette was at its most controversial during the 18 th century Marie Antoinette is credited with inventing the “ fan lorgnette,” wherein the hidden lorgnette was placed within the fan itself
Catherine Curzon: The History of the Lorgnette A lorgnette is, quite simply, a pair of spectacles mounted on a handle The precursor to modern opera glasses, lorgnettes were a common sight during the 19 th century at the theater as well as the opera
Lorgnette - Guide to Value, Marks, History - WorthPoint A lorgnette is identified by the presence of eyeglasses attached to some type of handle The spectacles often swivel into a case for storage and may fold in half to do so
Lorgnette – Antique Jewelry University Lorgnette Art Nouveau Lorgnette Historically, wearing eyeglasses was viewed as indicative of old age or ill health As a compromise of necessity, lorgnettes were adopted by fashionable ladies from the late eighteenth century through the Art Deco period Lorgnettes are eyeglasses that have no earpieces and are held to the eyes by a handle