Paperweight c. 1848 - 1855

This paperweight was made by the Compagnie de Saint Louis, out of glass. Paperweights like this are more than just functional objects; they reflect the social and cultural values of their time. The fashion for collecting paperweights emerged in the mid-19th century, coinciding with the rise of industrial production. This paperweight evokes a sense of order and control, mirroring the era's fascination with scientific classification and the natural world. Floral motifs were popular, often inspired by botanical studies. Here, we see a flower rendered in glass, a material transformed by human skill into an object of beauty. The Compagnie de Saint Louis, a prominent glass manufacturer in France, played a significant role in popularizing paperweights as decorative objects. Historians explore the cultural context surrounding paperweights, examining their presence in literature, art, and social customs. By consulting trade catalogs, historical records, and museum collections, we can understand the role of paperweights in shaping the tastes and desires of the 19th-century bourgeoisie.