L'Age Heureux 1895 - 1905

This bronze and silvered metal centerpiece, titled 'L'Age Heureux,' was created by Victor Peter, a French sculptor who lived between 1840 and 1918. Peter was known for animal sculptures and decorative objects, which catered to the tastes of the upper-middle class during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The title, which translates to "The Happy Age," evokes a sense of nostalgia and perhaps a longing for simpler times. During Peter's life, France underwent significant social and political changes, from the Franco-Prussian War to the Belle Époque. This era saw the rise of industrialization, urbanization, and a growing gap between the rich and poor. Consider how an object like this, designed for display and perhaps use in elegant dinner parties, reflects the values and aspirations of a particular class. It speaks to a desire for beauty, luxury, and a sense of refined living. But it may also tell us about the social inequalities of the time. Does it evoke feelings of warmth and belonging, or does it stand as a silent marker of social divisions?