Argy-Rousseau’s Moth Paperweights are among the most enchanting examples of 20th-century French glass. Gabriel Argy‑Rousseau turned fragile moths into glowing jewels of pâte de verre. His moth paperweights reveal both technical genius and a love of natural forms. Collectors still prize them for their rich colour, texture, and sense of wonder. We include a small price guide of realised prices at auction of some of these fabulous creations.
Who Was Gabriel Argy‑Rousseau?
Born in 1885, Argy‑Rousseau trained as a ceramicist and chemist. He entered the Paris art‑glass scene around 1910. Soon after, he began to push the pâte de verre technique to new limits. Between 1915 and 1930 he produced bowls, lamps and, most memorably, Argy‑Rousseau’s Moth Paperweights.
The Magic of Pâte de Verre
Pâte de verre means “glass paste.” The artist grinds coloured glass, mixes it with a binder and packs it into a plaster mould. After firing, the mould breaks away, leaving a frosted, luminous object. Because each colour goes into the mould by hand, Argy‑Rousseau could shade wings, bodies and backgrounds with breathtaking subtlety. Moreover, the finished surface feels silky rather than glossy, which enhances the moth’s soft appearance.
Why Choose the Moth Motif?
The moth fascinated many Art Nouveau artists. Its night‑time flight suggested mystery, while its powdery wings suited translucent media. Argy‑Rousseau captured those qualities perfectly. He often placed two or three moths in airy flight, their wings tinted amber, violet or jade. Consequently, light passing through the glass seems to make the insects flutter.
Sizes, Colours and Auction Highlights
Researchers list two main sizes: a larger dome about 7 cm high and a smaller version near 5 cm. Both sit on a flat, polished base. Common colour schemes include:
- Pale green ground with lilac wings
- Amber ground with russet wings
- Deep blue ground with turquoise wings
At recent auctions, the larger size has reached £2 500–£4 000, while the miniature can still exceed £1 500. Unsigned examples do appear, yet most carry the moulded mark “G. Argy‑Rousseau” along the rim.
Displaying Argy‑Rousseau’s Moth Paperweights
Because pâte de verre diffuses light, proper display matters. Place the weight near a soft LED spotlight, but avoid direct sun. Even better, use a rotating base so every angle glows. Handle with care; edges can chip more easily than blown or pressed glass.
Why Collectors Still Care
In short, Argy‑Rousseau’s Moth Paperweights unite science, artistry and mythology in a palm‑sized form. They show how an early‑20th‑century master froze a fleeting insect in shimmering colour, yet kept its spirit alive. For that reason, these paperweights remain some of the most enchanting small objects in the world of decorative art.
For examples of Argy‑Rousseau’s Moth Paperweights in public collections, visit the Corning Museum of Glass.
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