Paperweight c. 19th century

This delicate paperweight featuring a blue flower was crafted by the Compagnie de Saint Louis. Though undated, its style speaks to the 19th century, a time when industrial advancements met burgeoning artistic expression, especially in France. The paperweight, seemingly a simple desk object, reflects wider social dynamics. During the 19th century, industrialization enabled the mass production of glass, making such objects more accessible. Simultaneously, there was a growing interest in naturalism, seen in the detailed depiction of the flower. The Compagnie de Saint Louis, as a manufactory, was a product of this era, embodying both the industrial and artistic spirit of its time. Historians examine archives from glassmaking companies and period writings on design to situate these objects. The paperweight thus becomes a lens through which to view the intersecting worlds of industry, art, and daily life.