Paperweight 1923

Gabriel Argy-Rousseau's "Paperweight" from 1923 is a captivating example of Art Deco sculpture. The small, cubic form is crafted from green glass, with a delicate butterfly encased within. This work, now housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, embodies the Art Deco style's focus on geometric forms and natural motifs. The transparent glass allows viewers to see the intricate details of the butterfly and the air bubbles trapped within, creating a sense of depth and movement. Argy-Rousseau's "Paperweight" serves as a miniature window into the elegance and precision that defined the Art Deco era.