Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

This "Paperweight" from the Baccarat Glassworks, dating from c. 1845-1860, is a prime example of 19th-century glassmaking. The intricate details of the coiled serpent, seemingly trapped within a layer of glass flecked with white, are achieved through a technique called "pâte de verre," where a mixture of glass powder and colored pigments is molded and then fired. These paperweights, often depicting natural motifs, were popular decorative objects during this period. This particular piece is housed in the Art Institute of Chicago.