Paperweight c. 1846s

This paperweight was made by Baccarat Glassworks, known for their luxury crystal, and exemplifies the art of glassmaking. The process involves layering molten glass, manipulating its form while hot, and encasing delicate inclusions – in this case, profiles of human heads. The glass itself has inherent qualities of transparency and reflectivity. Its texture and weight give a sense of luxury, but also a sense of the intense labor required to produce it. The controlled cooling process, annealing, is crucial to prevent cracking, demanding skill and patience. Baccarat’s legacy is tied to wider social issues of luxury consumption and labor, reflective of industrial manufacturing and the skilled craftsmanship involved. A piece like this prompts us to look beyond its surface appeal and consider the social and economic context in which it was created, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.