Paperweight c. 19th century

This paperweight was produced by the Clichy Glasshouse between 1837 and 1885. Encased within a clear, spherical dome, a detailed pansy emerges, its deep purple and soft yellow petals juxtaposed against vibrant green leaves. The composition follows a structured harmony, drawing the eye to the pansy's face. The flower's symbolic weight cannot be ignored: the pansy, derived from the French word 'pensée' for thought, suggests a deeper contemplation on memory and reflection. This symbolism is amplified by the glass, an object simultaneously transparent and solid, offering clarity and a sense of containment. The spherical form of the paperweight acts as a lens, distorting and magnifying the flower within, thus challenging our perception. Through its structured form, the paperweight transcends mere decoration. It becomes an object that engages us in a visual game between interiority and exteriority, transparency and opacity, inviting ongoing interpretation.