Paperweight c. late 19th century

This glass paperweight was created by George Bacchus & Sons, though the date is unknown, and is now held in the Art Institute of Chicago. Observe the intricate mosaic of colored glass canes encased in clear crystal. Its domed form acts as a lens, magnifying the patterned interior, drawing our eye into a microcosm of geometric abstraction. Radiating from a central red floret, concentric rings of white, blue, brown, and yellow tesserae create a mesmerizing sense of depth and order. The paperweight embodies the Victorian fascination with both scientific precision and decorative arts. Each component is meticulously crafted and arranged to create a harmonious whole. The controlled arrangement of its internal structure invites contemplation, transforming the mundane into the extraordinary. The visual complexity and deceptive simplicity raise questions about perception, representation and the human desire to impose order on the world.