Paperweight c. mid 19th century

This paperweight was made at the Clichy Glasshouse in France, sometime between 1837 and 1885. Within its clear glass dome, we see a profile portrait of Queen Victoria, suggesting both the global reach of the British Empire and the market for luxury goods. France in the 19th century witnessed the rise of industrialization and a growing middle class eager to emulate the tastes of the aristocracy. The glass industry, with its blend of artistry and technology, became a symbol of this era. Paperweights like these were popular collectibles, reflecting the Victorian fascination with miniatures and the natural world. The inclusion of Queen Victoria's image speaks to the complex relationship between France and Britain, rivals on the world stage yet linked by trade and cultural exchange. Examining auction catalogs, trade journals, and design manuals from this period helps us to understand the social life of such objects. It highlights the values and aspirations of the people who made, bought, and used them. The paperweight becomes a lens through which we can view the society that produced it.