Paperweight c. 1848 - 1855

This intricately crafted glass paperweight, created by the Baccarat Glassworks in France between 1848 and 1855, features a realistic depiction of an eel. The paperweight showcases the skill of the Baccarat artisans, renowned for their mastery of glass-making techniques, and embodies the 19th-century fascination with naturalism. The detailed rendering of the eel's form, along with the inclusion of a textured background resembling seaweed and sand, creates a captivating miniature world within the glass sphere. This object served as a decorative piece in Victorian homes, reflecting the era's appreciation for the artistry of glassblowing.