La Legende du Cristal - Petit Palais

Last day at the Baccarat exhibit at the Petit Palais today. I raced over. Sometimes it felt like I was in a giant ice cream parlor.

Still utter magnificence on a very grand scale.

This was a DON'T MISS exhibition in Paris. It's hard to keep up.

I arrived at 10:05 and already crowded.

Not too different

From the masses in the past awestruck

At various Baccarat grand exhibitions held over the years. The Petit Palais celebrated Baccarat's 250th anniversary.

Old Parisian paintings give you a feel for the light these chandeliers caste.

Simply glorious!

Then and now at a World's Fair in 1925.

Every potentate and ruler in the world wanted Baccarat at their table.

These ruby-colored glasses were made especially for the Czar including a special glass for vodka. Mid-19th century the "Russian style" of table service took over, setting down all the required glasses at once, rather than previous "French style" bringing out each glass as needed. Who knew?

Gorgeous shadows caste by gorgeous glass.

What to say..?

My favorite was this simple elegant tea cup.

Wonderful preparatory watercolors were shown next to the glass.

Pieces of all sizes and grandeur.

Finally the last room was a chance to experience 19th century lighting in all its glory.

Such beautiful spaces in the Petit Palais.

Hard not to think of the unforgettable upside-down Christmas tree in Galeries Lafayette this year. Both exhibits come down today. And hard not to see these Dalloyau pastries sitting in Baccarat dishes.
More photos on Flickr to immerse yourself in the Baccarat exhibit.