Paperweight c. 1846s

This paperweight, crafted from glass by Baccarat Glassworks, features a neoclassical portrait in profile. The profile portrait, a motif echoing ancient coins and cameos, presents an idealized image of leadership and authority. We see echoes of this motif in Renaissance medals and even later in propaganda art, each iteration subtly shifting the narrative and imbuing the figure with contemporary ideals. The very act of immortalizing a face in profile speaks to our deep-seated desire to preserve memory, to elevate individuals to the realm of legend. Think of Alexander the Great, whose profile on coins not only marked currency but also spread his image and legacy across empires. This enduring symbol, like a restless spirit, reappears across history, a testament to our collective fascination with power, legacy, and the enduring human form.