Paperweight c. 1848 - 1855

This ‘Paperweight’ was crafted by the Compagnie de Saint Louis. It is a delicate microcosm of the natural world, safely encased. The flower becomes an object of quiet contemplation and perhaps even an emblem of the domestic sphere. The creation of paperweights was a popular artistic endeavor, particularly during the 19th century. Yet the artists, the skilled artisans who manipulated molten glass into these intricate forms, often remain anonymous, their individual identities subsumed by the collective identity of the manufacturing company. This raises questions about labor, skill, and authorship. Was this merely decorative art? Or did it reflect a deeper connection to the natural world that was increasingly disappearing as industrialization advanced? The paperweight can be seen as a lens through which to examine ideas of nature, industry, and identity.