Paperweight c. 19th century

This 19th-century "Paperweight" by Baccarat Glassworks, now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, is a stunning example of the artistry of glassmaking. The paperweight's clear glass body is intricately cut and features a central, circular design of green and white swirling patterns with delicate, colorful inclusions. The overall effect is one of mesmerizing depth and complexity, creating a captivating miniature world within the paperweight. This piece showcases the high skill of the Baccarat Glassworks, a renowned French company known for its exquisite crystal and glass objects.