Paperweight c. mid 19th century

This 19th-century "Paperweight" by the Baccarat Glassworks is a small, but intricately crafted example of the art of glassmaking. The clear glass sphere is decorated with red and white stripes, while the center features a cameo of a man's profile. This type of cameo glass was popular in the mid-19th century, with the layered technique creating a three-dimensional effect. The small size of the object suggests its use as a paperweight, a common function for such pieces. The paperweight is currently held at The Art Institute of Chicago.