Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

This paperweight was produced by the Clichy Glasshouse in France sometime between 1837 and 1885. Its colorful display of floral motifs preserved in glass is more than just a decorative object. The Clichy glassworks, like other manufacturers of luxury goods in 19th-century France, catered to an expanding middle class eager to emulate the tastes of the aristocracy. Paperweights such as this one became popular status symbols, adorning the desks of merchants and professionals. Their intricate designs reflect the period's fascination with botany and the natural world, a theme explored in both art and science. To truly understand this paperweight, we can investigate the economic history of 19th-century France and the rise of consumer culture, as well as delve into the archives of the Clichy Glasshouse to learn more about the artisans who created these miniature marvels. The study of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.