Paperweight c. 1845 - 1855

This paperweight was made by the Compagnie de Saint Louis, and is now held at the Art Institute of Chicago. It is an object which reflects the values, identities, and social structures of its time. The weight is an exquisite display of patterned glasswork. Produced by a collective rather than a single artist, it invites us to consider the hierarchies and labor practices which define the creation and consumption of decorative objects. The floral motifs, precisely arranged, evoke the ideals of beauty and order that were highly prized in European society. Yet, its function as a paperweight also speaks to the burgeoning administrative and bureaucratic systems of the time. The intricate design and the use of glass, a material often associated with transparency and fragility, invites a deeper exploration of our relationship with objects of status, class, and gender. It encourages us to think about the power dynamics embedded in the creation, ownership, and display of luxury items. How might we re-evaluate the legacy and contemporary relevance of this piece?