Paperweight
c. 1845/60
Medium
Glass
Dimensions
Diam.: 7.9 cm (3 1/8 in.)
Classification
paperweight
Department
Applied Arts of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
188066
Art Historical Context
This exquisite glass paperweight, crafted by the renowned Compagnie de Saint Louis around 1845–1860, exemplifies the pinnacle of 19th-century French glassmaking. With a diameter of just 7.9 cm, it was designed as both a practical desk accessory and a showcase of artistry, reflecting the era's fascination with intricate, jewel-like objects. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Department of Applied Arts of Europe, it highlights the seamless blend of utility and luxury in Victorian-era home decor. Founded in 1767 in Lorraine, France, Saint Louis was one of Europe's oldest and most prestigio...
About the Artist
Compagnie de Saint Louis
**Compagnie des Cristalleries de Saint Louis**, founded in 1586 in Münzthal, Lorraine (present-day Saint-Louis-lès-Bitche, France), stands as the oldest glass manufacturer in France and the first to produce crystal glass on the continental European mainland starting in 1781.) Initially focused on window glass and bottles, the company shifted toward luxury crystal production in the 19th century. By...