Paperweight c. 19th century

This paperweight was made by Baccarat Glassworks. Consider the Victorian era’s fascination with nature, and its intersection with industrial innovation. Paperweights like these capture a desire to contain and control nature within the domestic sphere. The Baccarat Glassworks, established in 1764, situated itself within France’s rich history of luxury craftmanship. This object transcends mere functionality; it embodies the complex relationship between art, industry, and social identity. During this era, decorative arts became increasingly accessible to the middle class. It also reflected aspirations for refinement and cultural capital. Think about the labor involved in creating such an object, and what it means to freeze a delicate bloom in glass forever. Reflect on the societal values it embodies. The paperweight serves as a window into the cultural and economic dynamics of its time.