Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

Editor: This is "Paperweight" by Compagnie de Saint Louis, dating from around 1845 to 1860. It’s made of glass and the striking thing is this coiled green snake trapped inside. What narratives or histories might you see embedded within this seemingly simple object? Curator: That's a fantastic starting point! Consider the context: mid-19th century France, a period of intense industrialization and the rise of the bourgeoisie. This isn't just decoration; it's a symbol of status, of access to luxury goods. But that snake, that sly creature, is also an ancient symbol. It makes me consider a narrative of hidden knowledge, feminine power. Editor: Hidden knowledge? Can you elaborate? Curator: Well, snakes in mythology, particularly pre-patriarchal mythology, are often associated with wisdom, healing, and the earth's life force - all areas historically suppressed or controlled. This paperweight becomes a vessel containing a disruptive force, contained but ever-present. Think about the women of the time and their roles, and consider where this sort of object may be located. In a study, controlling documents? A point of tension. Editor: So you see the paperweight as almost a subversive object, rather than a purely decorative one? Curator: Exactly! The beautiful, contained surface hides the complex histories, inequalities, and perhaps even resistances that simmer beneath. It is about power: those who possess, those who are possessed, and the fragile glass that keeps them in tension. What do you make of the geometric faceting of the glass, in that light? Editor: I see. The facets almost magnify the contents, putting them on display but within boundaries, it’s a complex viewpoint. Thank you. Curator: Of course. It just demonstrates how an object as seemingly straightforward as a paperweight can reflect broader societal dynamics.