Paperweight c. 19th century

Editor: This charming paperweight by Baccarat Glassworks, dating from the 19th century, has such a delightful and whimsical feel. The way the floral design is encased in glass, it's almost like capturing a perfect little world. What can you tell me about it? Curator: It's more than just whimsy. Glass paperweights like these gained popularity during a period of increased literacy and office work. Imagine a world increasingly reliant on paper, susceptible to breezes and clutter. These weren't just decorative objects, but functional symbols of order in a rapidly industrializing society. Consider their place on the desks of clerks and administrators, quietly enforcing control. Editor: That’s fascinating! I had not considered the functional role beyond aesthetics. How did their production and acquisition tie into broader social structures? Curator: Their appeal transcended social classes. While elaborate examples were luxury items for the wealthy, simpler designs became accessible to the burgeoning middle class, indicative of aspirations for refinement and upward mobility. Owning a paperweight also signified belonging to the world of written communication and commerce. It demonstrated, in a very subtle way, that the owner was part of this societal movement. Notice the flower. Is it just decorative? Editor: Well, now that you mention it, it does seem rather...organized. Less wild and more contained, like it is trying to convey that control in industrialisation. So, in essence, a seemingly innocuous item speaks volumes about the era. I never thought I could learn so much from a little chunk of glass! Curator: Exactly. By examining art like this paperweight within its historical and social context, we unveil the subtle ways in which even everyday objects reflect power dynamics, aspirations, and anxieties of a particular time.