Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

This "Paperweight" was crafted by the Compagnie de Saint Louis, a company with no known birth or death date. Consider the function of a paperweight in an era defined by industrialization and burgeoning office work. It speaks to a moment of transition, where the act of writing and the management of documents were becoming increasingly central to daily life. This object serves as a small yet potent symbol of this shift, capturing the essence of a rapidly changing society. The colors and patterns encased within this glass orb create a microcosm of artistic expression, revealing the possibilities of beauty within the mundane. It encapsulates a desire to find elegance and order amid societal and technological upheaval. This paperweight reflects a deeper need to hold onto something tangible and beautiful in an ever-evolving world.