Paperweight c. 19th century

This paperweight was made out of glass by Baccarat Glassworks. Think of the social rituals which surrounded such an object. Paperweights were popular during the Victorian era, a time when the burgeoning middle class sought symbols of wealth and status. These objects often found their place in domestic spaces, adorning desks and shelves, and reflecting a society deeply rooted in class distinctions. Mass production allowed for wider consumption but also created a desire for luxury goods. The flower encased within, delicate and meticulously crafted, might also represent the Victorian obsession with the symbolism of flowers. It could signal love, remembrance, or even mourning. The emotional weight of such symbols cannot be overstated, especially in a time of strict social codes. Consider the hands that crafted this object, and those that acquired it. This paperweight prompts us to reflect on the complex interplay between artistry, social class, and emotional expression during the Victorian era.