Paperweight c. 1848 - 1855

This paperweight, crafted in glass by the Compagnie de Saint Louis, presents us with a captivating floral arrangement. At its heart, we see a central bloom encircled by a delicate garland of smaller flowers. The flower, a timeless symbol, speaks to cycles of life, death, and rebirth, deeply rooted in human consciousness. Consider how floral motifs have permeated various art forms across cultures, from ancient Egyptian lotus designs symbolizing regeneration to the intricate botanical studies of the Renaissance. Here, the arrangement is preserved in glass. This captures a fleeting moment in nature, transforming it into something eternal. This echoes our desire to immortalize beauty and meaning, a recurring theme in art across the ages, engaging with our collective memory and subconscious yearning for permanence.