Paperweight c. 1845 - 1855

This paperweight was made by the Compagnie de Saint Louis. It is a captivating object which invites us to consider the narratives embedded within decorative arts. Paperweights like this one transcend their functional purpose, offering a glimpse into the cultural values and aesthetics of their time. In the nineteenth century, glassmaking was transformed from a craft-based activity to a mechanized industry. The Compagnie de Saint Louis emerged during this time, a period marked by industrial progress but also by the rise of a middle class with new purchasing power. The patterns encased in this paperweight, like a formal garden, reflect a desire for order and beauty amidst rapid social change. Consider how such an object might have offered a small, everyday form of luxury, and perhaps even a sense of stability, in an era defined by shifting social landscapes.