Paperweight c. 19th century

This paperweight, now at the Art Institute of Chicago, was made by the Compagnie de Saint Louis, but when exactly, is unknown. It speaks to how industries use and manipulate imagery for both aesthetic and practical purposes. Consider the object’s cultural context. Paperweights became popular in the 19th century, during a time when letter writing was a common form of communication. As a functional object, it adds a touch of elegance to the mundane task of keeping papers in place. The glass itself could speak to the industrial revolution, and advancements in glassmaking techniques. The fruit and leaves might evoke nature and beauty within an increasingly urbanized world. The creation and consumption of this paperweight were both shaped by the social and economic conditions of its time. Further research into the history of the Compagnie de Saint Louis and the broader glassmaking industry would give us even greater insights into the meanings and social history of this artwork.