Paperweight 1849 - 1880

This glass paperweight, featuring a charming arrangement of fruit, was created by the New England Glass Company, which operated during the 19th century. The paperweight reflects the Victorian era's fascination with nature and its tendency to domesticate the natural world. Within the clear glass, a still life of apples, berries, and leaves is suspended. Consider the era during which this was made. The rise of industrialization led to a yearning for simpler times. The motif of fruit can evoke themes of abundance, nature, and a sense of pastoral calm. The containment of this scene within glass raises questions of control. The object becomes a way to carry a piece of nature with you. The paperweight, beyond its practical use, serves as a miniature monument to the beauty found in the everyday. It encourages us to reflect on our relationship with nature, and on the personal connections we forge with the objects that surround us.