Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

"Paperweight" is a decorative glass paperweight produced by the Baccarat Glassworks in France, sometime between 1845 and 1860. The paperweight, now in the collection of The Art Institute of Chicago, features a beautiful floral design, with a cluster of delicate flowers including pansies, and is a small, detailed example of the meticulous work of the Baccarat glassblowers. The vivid colors of the flowers are captivating, particularly the contrasting red, white, and blue hues of the blossoms. This paperweight exemplifies the artistry and craftsmanship of the Baccarat glassworks during a time of great flourishing in the production of glassware in France.