Paperweight c. 1848 - 1855

This small paperweight was created by the Compagnie de Saint Louis. Encased in clear glass is a complex floral arrangement which presents an interplay of color and form. The flower’s petals are rendered in delicate shades of amber and cream, bisected by precise, dark striations that give them depth. These lines draw the eye inward, towards a ruby-colored center, which acts as the focal point of the piece. The subtle contrast of the green glass leaves that encircle the base of the flower serve to enhance the overall chromatic balance. The object’s spherical shape distorts the flower within, creating a unique visual experience from every angle. The choice of glass as a medium allows for a play of light, which, in turn, animates the flower, giving it an almost ephemeral quality. The paperweight is not merely a functional item but a study in contained beauty, reflecting broader artistic concerns about how we perceive and preserve nature.