Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

This paperweight was made by the Compagnie de Saint Louis, using glass. Its clear, hemispherical form acts as a lens, magnifying the complex arrangement of floral motifs suspended within. These patterns were achieved using a technique called millefiori, where glass rods of different colors are bundled together, heated, and stretched, then sliced into cross-sections revealing intricate designs. These were carefully arranged and encased in clear glass, a process demanding both skill and precision. The delicate beauty of the paperweight belies the intense labor and industrial processes involved in its creation. Each element is meticulously crafted and assembled. The Compagnie de Saint Louis was known for producing glass of exceptional quality, catering to a market that valued both utility and ornamentation. Considering an object like this on display challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, and reminds us to appreciate the materials, making, and context that gives an artwork meaning.