Paperweight
c. 1848–55
Medium
Glass
Dimensions
Diam.: 7 cm (2 3/4 in.)
Classification
paperweight
Department
Applied Arts of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
58924
Art Historical Context
This charming glass paperweight, dating to around 1848–55, exemplifies the exquisite craftsmanship of mid-19th-century European arts. Measuring just cm in diameter, it served as a practical yet decorative desk accessory during the Victorian era, when the rise of bureaucracy and letter-writing made such weighted objects essential for keeping papers in place amid growing paperwork demands. Crafted from glass—a medium prized for its clarity and versatility—this piece highlights the technical ingenuity of the period's glassmakers. European workshops, particularly in France, perfected intricate t...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...