Glass and Powder: British Chemical Pigments, 19th Century

A still life of pigments and apothecary bottles in a 19th-century French print captures a scientific tableau with the precision of a botanical illustration and the elegance of shop display. The saturated powders in rose pink, brilliant yellow, and cobalt blue shown in delicate mounds in glass dishes and goblets look like confectionary instead of chemicals. The tidy rows are both for aesthetics and retail necessity but rarely seen today for industrial materials.

Why We Picked It
The clarity of line, the balance of form, and the rich yet restrained palette all work together to create a soothing print. The unusual presentation of pigment in wine glasses is an unexpected compositional device. A traditional black wood and gold inlay frame adds depth and contrast that creates a formal border that contrasts with the sensual materiality of the powders.

Notable Context
The artwork was created for the Exposition Universelle, the 19th-century world’s fair that showcased industrial, artistic, and scientific innovation from across the globe. "Classe IV" refers to the section dedicated to chemical products and colorants, a booming field in England during the Industrial Revolution. Synthetic dyes and chemical processes were transforming manufacturing, and this print served as both documentation and visual celebration. The arrangement echoes the influence of Enlightenment-era taxonomy, where beauty and function merged in ordered displays. The choice to render British contributions in such vivid form reflects France’s ongoing interest in and rivalry with English industrial and scientific prowess.

About the Publisher
Noblet et Baudry, the publishers, were active in the mid-19th century and are known for their finely printed chromolithographs documenting the international exhibitions of the era. Their works were not only artistic achievements but also valuable records of industrial and commercial progress. The lithographer credited here, Lamoureux, was based in Paris and contributed to the exceptional detail and color fidelity that make this print feel almost modern in its crispness. Together, they captured a moment when design, science, and display culture converged.