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Object Overview
Carved oak English wall-mounted aneroid barometer circa 1900 by the renowned brand Negretti & Zambra.
The body of this barometer is made of solid oak, crafted in a classic style with exquisite decorative elements characteristic of 19th-century European wood carving.
At the top of the barometer is a decorative feature resembling a vase or cup, possibly symbolizing abundance or nobility. In classical design, such a vase often represents eternal prosperity and luxury. It crowns the body, emphasizing its grandeur and providing a sense of completeness. Below the vase is a curved pediment, reminiscent of architectural pediments often associated with temple roofs, hinting at the barometer’s elevated, almost “temple-like” status.
Beneath the vase is a carved detail in the shape of a lotus leaf. The lotus traditionally symbolizes purity and enlightenment, possibly adding a symbolic layer to the barometer’s precision and clarity in measurement.
The element between the thermometer and the dial is a small, elegant carved scroll resembling a volute — a feature commonly found in antique and Renaissance architecture. This form might symbolize stability and harmony. This detail supports the upper part of the body, lending the design a sense of wholeness and balance while drawing attention to the central section of the barometer.
28439
aneroid capsule tensioned on a C-spring
brass, carved wood, enamel, glass
At the bottom of the barometer is a decorative panel with a carved floral motif, highlighted by a prominent flower with rounded petals at its center. Flowers symbolize natural forces brought under human control through the precise measurements of the barometer. Below the floral panel are two symmetrical scrolls, giving the base of the barometer an elegant finish. This element echoes the overall carving style and harmonizes with the decorative scrolls above, maintaining a refined and aristocratic aesthetic throughout.
Thus, all the elements of the body are interconnected and carry symbolic meaning, reflecting the harmony of nature and humanity’s pursuit of precision and enlightenment. This highlights the barometer’s significant cultural and practical value.
The enameled dial features a scale in London inches of mercury and standard text-based weather indications, with the inscriptions written in uppercase letters. The dial is protected by flat glass with beveled edges, set in a brass bezel. Additionally, the body houses a Fahrenheit mercury thermometer mounted on a ceramic base.