Paperweight c. 1848 - 1855

Here is a clear glass paperweight, featuring a central floral design, likely made by Baccarat Glassworks. At first glance, one is struck by the clarity of the glass and the careful placement of the flower, creating a sense of harmony. The flower is comprised of blue and white striped petals which radiate around the center of the flower. The structure of the paperweight plays with our perception. Its rounded form invites tactile exploration and the clear glass enhances the design inside. The flower is more than just a decorative motif; it exists as a microcosm encapsulated within glass, suggesting themes of preservation and the interplay between nature and artifice. The radial symmetry might be interpreted through semiotics as a symbol of wholeness and perfection. The geometric shape challenges our perceptions of natural forms, inviting reflection on the structured nature of beauty and the cultural codes that shape our appreciation of it. The flower’s encapsulation within glass prompts considerations about the human desire to capture and control the natural world.