Paperweight c. late 19th century

This paperweight, with its delicate apples and leaves encased in glass, was created by the New England Glass Company, which operated during the 19th century. While seemingly a simple decorative object, the paperweight speaks volumes about the social and economic conditions of its time. The rise of industrial production in the 19th century led to an increased demand for luxury goods and decorative items for the home. The New England Glass Company was one of many firms that sought to capitalize on this demand, catering to a growing middle class with disposable income. Paperweights like this one also reflect the Victorian fascination with nature and the fashion for bringing elements of the natural world into the domestic sphere. As historians, we can look to sources such as company records, trade catalogs, and period literature to understand the cultural significance of objects like this. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.