Doorknob c. 1845 - 1860

This glass doorknob was made by the Compagnie de Saint Louis, though we can't say exactly when. While something like a doorknob might seem inconsequential, everyday objects such as this are revealing of social and cultural life. Here, the doorknob becomes a miniature world, with carefully arranged florets creating an intimate decorative space. The glass itself is a product of industry. And the clean and symmetrical design shows an urge for order and control. In nineteenth-century France, luxury goods industries expanded, alongside a fascination with the natural sciences. Images of flowers were collected and cataloged, reflecting an optimistic desire to understand and master the world. Art historians are interested in how changing social structures influence the meaning of art, and vice versa. By consulting sources such as trade records, design catalogs, and social commentaries, we can better understand the cultural context of artworks like this one.