Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

Curator: Here we have a glass paperweight made by Baccarat Glassworks, dating circa 1845 to 1860, now held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Editor: It’s surprisingly vibrant for something nearly two centuries old! That deep cobalt blue creates an incredible depth, making the floral mosaic seem to float. Curator: Indeed! Glass paperweights like this were incredibly popular as luxury items during the mid-19th century. The process involved embedding delicate glass canes – often with intricate floral or geometric designs – into clear or colored glass. Looking closely, you’ll notice these little figures trapped like insects in amber. Editor: Trapped is an interesting word choice. I mean, the density and perfection here feel quite controlled, don’t they? The individual florets and figures appear contained within this sphere, suggestive of themes such as constraint or even the subjugation of nature for aesthetic purposes. Who decided the flower needed to be trapped in order to be beautiful? Curator: The symbolic meaning of flowers evolved a lot through the Victorian era. Paperweights like these can be viewed as expressions of idealization, domestic harmony and beauty but I understand your interpretation in the context of colonial control. Many of the forms inside also recall ancient Millefiori patterns that have deep spiritual roots across cultures, hinting to an earlier iconography than the purely ornamental. Editor: True. But consider, too, who would have been commissioning these objects. Probably members of a burgeoning industrial class looking for new avenues for decorative statements to make. Think of what the era was inflicting onto the globe. The act of 'capturing' something exquisite might appeal to someone in such a context. Curator: The blend of industrial production with artisanal skill is undeniable, I feel. Editor: Absolutely. The symbolism gets quite layered then; reflecting the societal powers and personal narratives shaping this moment in history, trapped with this paperweight along with the tiny floral and geometric components of the piece itself! Curator: Seeing the social conditions as literally entrapped along with the design elements in the glass adds another depth to our interpretation of it. Thanks for this interesting outlook on its symbolic value. Editor: The delight is all mine!