Box c. 1846s

This small glass box was produced by the Baccarat Glassworks in France, though its exact date remains unknown. It contains a silhouette of a man, likely a notable figure. The Baccarat Glassworks, established in the 18th century, gained prominence producing luxury items for the French elite. This box reflects that heritage, even if the lack of a date makes it hard to confirm to a specific monarch. The creation of such an object speaks to the social and economic conditions of the time. Glassmaking itself was an industry tied to specific resources and trade networks. The presence of a portrait suggests a culture of commemorating individuals, possibly tied to political power or social status. To understand its meaning fully, we need to look at the institutional history of Baccarat, the social status of portraiture, and the political context of France at the time it was produced. These resources help us to understand the box not just as a beautiful object, but as a product of its time, shaped by the social and institutional forces at play.