Paperweight by Compagnie de Saint Louis

Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

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glass

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glass

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decorative-art

Dimensions: Diam. 8.3 cm (3 1/4 in.)

Copyright: Public Domain

This spherical paperweight, made of glass by the Compagnie de Saint Louis, presents a captivating play of interiority and exteriority. Embedded within its clear dome are numerous millefiori, each a miniature universe of floral patterns in vibrant colors. The composition adheres to a structured dispersion, yet resists rigid symmetry, creating a dynamic tension between order and randomness. This tension invites us to consider the paperweight not merely as a functional object, but as a complex sign. Each millefiori, with its contained design, acts as a signifier; together, they form a constellation that destabilizes any singular reading. The materiality of glass further complicates meaning. Its transparency allows for a voyeuristic gaze into the encapsulated world, while also reflecting the viewer's own image, implicating them in the paperweight's semiotic game. The artwork, through its formal qualities, engages with our perception, challenging fixed meanings and suggesting an ever-shifting interplay between object and observer.

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