Paperweight c. 1848 - 1855

This glass paperweight, crafted by the Compagnie de Saint Louis, captivates with its vibrant, magnified botanical study. Encased within a flawless dome, a blossoming flower is immortalized, its bright colours sharply contrasted against the delicate white lattice that forms the backdrop. The composition of the flower is both orderly and asymmetrical, with careful placement of petals and leaves which create a dynamic visual balance, yet the choice of a common object like a paperweight elevates the flower to an object of contemplation. It is an exploration of the dialectic between nature and artifice. The flower, though rendered with precision, takes on a spectral quality, enhanced by the refractive properties of the glass. In this context, the paperweight serves as a cultural signifier, its transparency inviting viewers to consider the complexities of representation, perception, and the inherent human desire to capture and preserve moments of natural beauty.