Perfume bottle c. 1845 - 1860

Editor: We’re looking at a delicate perfume bottle, dating from about 1845 to 1860, crafted by the Compagnie de Saint Louis in France. It’s made of glass. The intricate floral design at the top immediately caught my eye. What are your initial thoughts on this piece? Curator: You know, it's more than just a pretty object, isn’t it? I feel like I'm peering into a tiny, contained world when I look at it. The blue, almost jewel-toned glass speckled with "eyes" creates a kind of mesmerizing field that cradles a vibrant bloom inside. There is a sense of opulence about it, don't you think? But also…it almost feels like it's holding secrets, doesn’t it? Editor: Definitely, there is a sense of mystery, as if a tiny world is being preserved within it. The colours are quite striking, the cobalt against the white flowers, for example. Where do you think it sits in its cultural and historical context? Curator: It screams "French craftsmanship" to me – the artistry, the attention to detail! The 19th century was all about decorative arts, about surrounding oneself with beauty and elegance. Perfume wasn't just a scent then; it was a statement, a signature. Imagine the woman who owned this, perhaps displaying it prominently. What scent do you think she might have favored? Editor: Perhaps something floral and exotic to complement the aesthetic of the bottle. Curator: Exactly! These bottles weren't just functional; they were reflections of a woman’s style, a statement of sophistication. And this particular example…it makes me wonder about its journey. Think about where it's been and the perfumes it’s housed! We see a small window into someone else’s life, captured forever. What have we learnt? Editor: It's interesting how something small and seemingly simple can hold so much meaning.