Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

This "Paperweight" from the Baccarat Glassworks is a stunning example of 19th-century glassmaking. The piece features a meticulously crafted butterfly with vibrant, multi-colored wings, encased in a clear glass sphere. The intricate details of the butterfly's wings and body are enhanced by the use of millefiori, a technique that involves arranging colorful glass rods together to create a mosaic-like pattern. Surrounding the butterfly is a delicate border of small, white and green flowers, adding to the overall elegance of the piece. This paperweight, now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, embodies the beauty and artistry of glassmaking during the mid-19th century.