Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

This paperweight, made of glass by the Compagnie de Saint Louis, invites us to consider the social life of decorative objects. Paperweights like this were luxury items, popular in the 19th century, especially in France. They were not simply functional; they signified status and taste. The Compagnie de Saint Louis was one of the premier glassmakers of its time, and its creations were collected by the wealthy. The intricate floral designs encased in glass reflect the period's fascination with nature and the ability of industry to reproduce nature's beauty in a controlled, artificial way. The creation of such detailed work speaks to the skill of the artisans and the resources available to the company, reflecting the industrial and economic structures of the time. To truly understand this paperweight, we can delve into archives, study glassmaking techniques, and explore the social history of collecting in the 19th century. Art like this is embedded in its own time.