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Object Overview
The Victorian Neo-Renaissance aneroid barometer, dating to around 1920, is an exquisite example of craftsmanship blending classical elements with Renaissance-inspired details. Encased in polished walnut, the body features a carefully waxed finish, emphasizing the rich, warm tones of the wood. The design is crowned by a pediment styled as a balustrade, adorned with delicate columns capped with spherical finials and complemented by classical balusters. These balusters, placed between the small columns, leave open spaces that lend an air of visual lightness and elegance to the structure.
Beneath the balustrade lies a prominent cornice with a simple geometric design, creating a strong architectural foundation. On either side of the built-in thermometer, standalone columns rise, designed as straight classical supports with modest capitals. These columns add symmetry and emphasize the stately, classical aesthetic of the piece.
The central focus of the barometer is its dial, flanked by twin pairs of columns on each side. This symmetrical arrangement lends the casing a sense of solidity and stability. Each column pair is grounded on square bases and topped with slightly projecting capitals, reinforcing the vertical lines of the structure. These columns effectively demarcate the central section containing the dial and thermometer from the rest of the body, creating a clear visual distinction.
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early Vidie
At the base of the casing, a masterfully carved decorative element in the form of a flower or rosette serves as the central visual accent. This carving, with its voluminous petals arranged in a circular pattern, evokes a sense of fullness and completeness in the overall composition. Throughout the casing, there are small decorative accents in the form of "droplets" positioned at all six ends, adding subtle details that enhance the harmony and visual integrity of the design. These droplet-like elements, with rounded tops tapering towards the base, evoke the shape of domes, establishing a symbolic connection to the architecture of religious buildings. This motif, with its reference to domes, associates the design with the sky, tranquility, and harmony — concepts that were often represented in the architecture of that era.
The barometer features an open dial made of sturdy card, marked with a scale in centimeters of mercury and standard French weather indications. The dial is safeguarded by a solid, flat glass set within a brass bezel. A particularly striking aspect of this barometer is its mechanism: the Vidi capsule structure and the movement transmission mechanism incorporate an external spring, adhering to the early Vidi patent. This detail not only speaks to the mechanical ingenuity but also preserves the historical accuracy of the piece.
Another eye-catching feature is the beautifully crafted alcohol thermometer, positioned at the top of the instrument. It boasts a centigrade scale on a slender enameled steel backing, which is delicately hand-painted with colorful floral motifs. This refined decoration adds a touch of grace and artistry, elevating the thermometer from a mere functional element to a work of art in its own right.
Overall, this barometer is not merely a utilitarian device but a sculptural object that harmonizes elements of classical architecture and artistic detail, embodying the spirit of the Victorian Neo-Renaissance period. Each carefully chosen design feature reflects the aspirations of its maker, whose mastery is evident in the unity of form, function, and symbolic resonance.