L'Amour dans le globe; ou, L'Almanach volant, composé de petites pièces fugitives, légères ou galantes, en prose & en vers: avac un précis historique de l'origine du globe aérostatique, des expériences du Champ-de-Mars, de Versailles, de la Muette & des Tuileries, ainsi que vers & chansons y relatifs. Le tout enrichi de figures 1784

Editor: So, this object is called "L'Amour dans le globe; ou, L'Almanach volant," published in 1784. It's a print on paper, and it looks like a decorative book. The vibrant red cover really catches the eye. What strikes you about this piece? Curator: Looking at this object, I'm drawn to its materiality and what it reveals about the production of culture in 1784. Consider the paper itself, likely handmade, and the labor involved in its creation. Think about the printing process, the binding – each step a testament to artisanal skill and the economics of publishing at that time. Does this intricate level of craftsmanship elevate its value? Editor: Definitely, seeing the physical object makes me think about the book as an art object rather than just the words it contains. The gold detailing and the quality of the paper seem really important to its value, I guess. Does the title then challenge this by implying that love (L'Amour) and the physical world (“globe”) intersect? Curator: Exactly! "Love in a globe," is so very intriguing when contextualized in a Rococo environment. The materials reflect a culture that’s fascinated with novelty, lightness, and, crucially, with the commodification of emotions and experiences. These “fugitive pieces” are carefully curated, constructed with a historical context in mind, especially if it contained songs related to aeronautical events of the time! What do you think all this says about the intended consumer of this almanac? Editor: I imagine someone wealthy and educated, participating in the cultural trends of the time, and with an interest in both art and current events. Thank you, that was truly enlightening to understand the social dynamics from its material make-up! Curator: My pleasure, looking beyond aesthetics reveals layers of meaning embedded in the material world.