Paperweight c. 1848 - 1855

This exquisite glass paperweight, crafted by the Compagnie de Saint Louis, features a coiled green snake at its heart. The serpent, a potent symbol, immediately calls to mind the Garden of Eden and the fall of man. This motif resonates across cultures and epochs. From the Ouroboros, an ancient symbol depicting a snake eating its own tail, representing cyclicality and eternity, to the serpent entwined around the staff of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine, the snake embodies transformation, healing, and primordial energy. In this context, one might consider the psychological dimensions of such a recurring symbol. Is the snake a manifestation of our deepest fears, anxieties, and desires? Or does it represent our capacity for healing and renewal? This enduring symbol, carefully encased in glass, engages us on a visceral level, stirring both primal fears and a sense of wonder. The snake, a potent emblem, continues its journey through time, adapting and evolving.