Handcooler c. 1845 - 1860

This glass paperweight, made by the Compagnie de Saint Louis, encapsulates far more than just decorative appeal. It offers a glimpse into the social and economic context of 19th-century France. Such objects, often called "handcoolers," were not merely functional; they were symbols of status, reflecting the burgeoning industrial capacity of France and the rise of a consumer culture catering to the bourgeoisie. The intricate millefiori technique, embedding delicate glass rods to form floral motifs, speaks to the specialized labor and technical expertise fostered by institutions like the Compagnie de Saint Louis. The act of collecting and displaying these objects in the home became a way to assert one's place in the social hierarchy. Historical records, company archives, and period inventories can further illuminate the production, distribution, and reception of such objects, revealing their complex relationship to the social fabric of their time.