Paperweight c. 1848 - 1855

This mesmerizing paperweight was produced by the Compagnie de Saint Louis, a glassmaking firm, during an era when decorative arts held a mirror to society’s values and aspirations. At first glance, it’s just a beautiful object. But consider the layers, both literal and metaphorical, trapped within the glass: A delicate floral arrangement, bisected by a pink band, encased in a swirl of white latticino. What does it mean to preserve beauty in such a way? The paperweight speaks to the Victorian obsession with control and order but also hints at fragility. The flowers, symbols of nature and life, are here carefully arranged and permanently captured, reflecting a desire to tame the wildness of the natural world. This tension between freedom and constraint echoes societal expectations, particularly for women, during the period. Like a memory held captive, this paperweight invites contemplation on what we choose to preserve and how we confine it.