Paperweight 19th-20th century

This anonymous paperweight at the Minneapolis Institute of Art features the melancholy face of a dog, forever frozen under glass. The artist, though unknown, taps into the long history of human-animal relationships. Dogs, particularly breeds like spaniels, have been symbolically linked to loyalty and companionship in Western art for centuries. The choice of a paperweight as the medium suggests a connection to domesticity and the interior lives of its owners. What does it mean to keep such an image close at hand, under glass? Is this a sentimental reminder of a beloved pet, or does the dog’s mournful expression hint at deeper reflections on mortality and loss? Art history can help us understand the cultural context in which an everyday object like this gains meaning. By looking at Victorian pet portraits, or even researching the rise of dog ownership, we can gain valuable insights into the lives and values of those who chose to surround themselves with these kinds of images. Ultimately, this paperweight reminds us that even the smallest objects can be powerful symbols of our shared humanity.