Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

Editor: Here we have "Paperweight" crafted around 1845-1860, a captivating piece residing here at the Art Institute of Chicago, thought to be produced by the Compagnie de Saint Louis. Just the colours alone, these delicate pinks swirling within the glass, give me a feeling of something precious, yet also a little fragile. What strikes you most about this small universe trapped in glass? Curator: Oh, it’s pure joy, isn’t it? Imagine the artisan, bending glass to their will like a whispered secret, building this radiant bloom layer by delicate layer. You get the feeling, or I do anyway, that time stopped right then and there. Look at those tiny air bubbles trapped inside - like little stars. Does it make you wonder about their story? Editor: Absolutely! And considering it’s a paperweight, a purely functional object, that such care and artistry went into it... Did this level of craftsmanship trickle down into everyday objects back then, or was this considered more of a luxury piece? Curator: Oh, undoubtedly a luxury. But think about the joy it might bring to a desk! Like a secret garden growing right there, reminding its owner to pause, reflect, to let beauty seep into their day, even in the midst of papers and deadlines. Maybe that's why I'm so drawn to decorative arts... because they believed beauty had a function all its own. What do you think? Editor: That’s a perspective I hadn't considered, framing beauty as essential rather than merely ornamental. It definitely makes me appreciate the object, and those air bubbles, even more. Curator: Exactly. Who knows, maybe even those small imperfections and little bubble "stars" are winks from the artist through time, sharing his own joyful reflection from that very special, paused moment. Editor: A very beautiful point. I'll be sure to keep an eye out for those “winks” in the future!