Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

This paperweight was made by the Baccarat Glassworks in France, using glass. Consider this paperweight as an object embodying the opulence of the 19th century, a period marked by industrial advancement and intricate displays of craftsmanship. The millefiori patterns encased within, these 'thousand flowers' of glass, reflect a cultural fascination with detail and precision. France's Baccarat Glassworks became known for their luxury glass items. Institutions like theirs shaped artistic production, catering to elite tastes while also impacting the wider decorative arts market. The paperweight is both a functional object and a statement of status, a symbol of the period's embrace of luxury as an expression of social standing. To delve deeper, one might explore archival records of Baccarat, tracing the evolution of their designs and the social networks that sustained their success. This approach highlights how art is interwoven with the social and economic conditions of its time, and shows us that it is through careful research that we unlock the fuller story of works such as this.