Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

This small glass "Paperweight," created by the Compagnie de Saint Louis in the mid-19th century, features a circular design of colorful glass "Millefiori" (meaning "thousand flowers") surrounding a central, purple-tinted, engraved cameo. The artwork's size and intricate details showcase the delicate nature of glasswork and the artistry of the French glassmaking tradition. The Millefiori technique, dating back to ancient Rome, involves creating intricate patterns by fusing together rods of different colored glass. This specific paperweight, located at The Art Institute of Chicago, is a testament to the beauty and craftsmanship of 19th-century glassmaking.