Louis XIV Paperweight

Gilt bronze
France
ca. 1695–1710
4.5 x 17 x 10.5 cm (1¾ x 6¾ x 4? in.)

The partial chasing of this paperweight creates a contrast between broad burnished surfaces and cartouche grounds matted with a pointed tool, combined throughout with elegant symmetrical rinceaux. It thus relates to the rare documented gilt bronzes and so-called serrurerie works of the late Louis XIV period, notably the highly wrought lock plates executed around 1710 by Ducoudray and Desjardin for the royal tribune of the Chapel at Versailles.

The gilding, though of very fine quality, is heavily worn; this wear reveals pronounced copper-toned reflections, possibly indicative of mercury gilding.

A paperweight of the same type, belonging to the National Trust, is preserved at Clandon Park, the luxurious Palladian country house designed by Giacomo Leoni for Thomas Onslow, 2nd Baron Onslow, who had travelled in France in 1698.