Paperweight c. 1850

This paperweight was made by the Baccarat Glass Works. Paperweights such as this one represent a fascinating intersection of art, craft, and industry. They were luxury objects of the 19th century, a product of highly skilled artisans working within a factory setting, and were collected by the rising middle classes. The intense red color and complex floral motifs visible within the glass, create meaning through the visual codes and cultural references of its time. France in the 1800s, where this was made, saw the rise of industrial production alongside a revival of interest in decorative arts and craftsmanship. The Baccarat factory itself was an institution, shaping the production and reception of glass art. As art historians, we can delve into factory records, design catalogs, and social histories to understand the context in which objects like this were made and consumed, revealing the complex social and economic forces at play.