Paperweight c. 1848 - 1855

This exquisite paperweight was crafted by Baccarat Glassworks, a company renowned for its luxury glassware. While it seems simple, this object raises questions about the social role of art. During the 19th century, when such paperweights were popular, industrialization brought new forms of artistry into the homes of the rising middle class. Baccarat, established in France, was at the forefront of this shift, democratizing access to beauty through mass production, while still marketing its products as luxury goods. The visual codes here are telling; the delicate flower, encased in crystal, speaks to a desire for nature and order amidst rapid social change. The millefiori technique, where glass canes are arranged to create intricate patterns, adds to the allure. To fully understand this paperweight, one might delve into the history of glassmaking, explore 19th-century French social history, or examine Baccarat's own institutional archives. Ultimately, this object reflects a specific moment in time and speaks volumes about the intersection of art, industry, and social aspiration.