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Object Overview
The Naudet barograph from 1910–1930, housed in a luxurious mahogany case, is a device that captivates not only with its functional precision but also with the masterful craftsmanship where every detail—from the choice of materials to the structure of the mechanism—has been thoughtfully designed for harmony and style.
The rich mahogany case, smooth to the touch and deep in color, invites interaction. Its depth and texture evoke a sense of opulence and sophistication. Large glass panels on all four sides of the rectangular case provide an unrestricted view of the elegant inner mechanism, as if the barograph is putting on a performance, showcasing its dance of measurements. This transparent window into the world of technology allows for admiration of each movement, each interaction of the parts, creating the illusion that the instrument itself is alive, breathing, and working with tireless accuracy.
At the heart of the design is a compact brass drum, standing 72 millimeters tall. Its golden sheen, highlighted by soft light, gives the barograph a touch of elegance and refinement. This drum, with its three-day rotation, not only performs its task but also serves as a focal point of aesthetic balance and symmetry within the device. A delicate brass clamp holds the paper strip in place—an almost invisible but crucial element ensuring the preservation of atmospheric records. The paper secured on the drum becomes a canvas on which the barograph leaves its barometric trace.
5651
Richard
brass, copper, glass, iron, wood
The real aesthetic pleasure, however, comes from the sight of the four massive, sequentially stacked Vidie capsules. These capsules are not just functional components but resemble fine jewelry, adding grace and visual allure to the instrument. Their golden brass tones, blending seamlessly into one another, create a sense of continuity and fluidity, as though they work in perfect harmony with each other.
A long writing lever, with a steel pen attached to its tip, serves as the tool for creating the graphs that capture the atmosphere's subtle shifts. The steel of the pen contrasts with the warmth of the brass and wood, adding a note of strict scientific precision. This instrument transforms every pressure change into an artistic motion of the pen on the paper, leaving behind precise lines, as if conveying the movement of air onto the surface.
All of this action unfolds on a solid black metal base, where the drum, capsule system, and levers are neatly arranged. The PNHB logo, placed in a small circle on the base, gives the device a finishing touch—a mark of craftsmanship and tradition that underscores the barograph’s exceptional quality and importance.