Barometers Realm

The mahogany body, deep and rich in tone like nature itself, seems to breathe, reflecting the play of light on its surface. The straight pediment adds a sense of solemnity and completion to the structure, as if highlighting the significance of the moment when we gaze upon this instrument. Yet, the true magic lies in the brass mascarons that adorn it.

The upper and central mascarons feature the “Green Man” or “The Foliate Head,” an ancient symbol embodying rebirth and the cycles of life. His face, covered in leaves, gazes at the viewer with nobility, evoking a sense of eternal renewal, reminding us of how air and wind—ever-changing like life itself—affect every second of our existence. On the lower part of the body, the face of the Gorgon greets us—a symbol of protection, staring directly into the soul. This is not just decoration but a talisman against the evil eye, as if the barometer itself was conceived as a guardian of time and nature, shielding its owner from unseen forces.

A delicate brass niche within the body adds an extra dimension of depth to the barometer, inside of which lies a subtly tinted alcohol thermometer. Its slender form and cool blue hue seem to represent the boundary between knowledge and mystery, between the precision of science and its cold beauty. The scale in degrees Celsius, applied directly to the glass tube of the thermometer, is flawlessly clean and legible.

Yet the centerpiece is undoubtedly the cream-colored enamel dial. Its soft, almost velvety shade contrasts with the metallic elements, creating a sense of warmth and comfort amidst scientific precision. The scale, marked in centimeters of mercury, gently flows across the surface, delicately inscribed with the words “Baromètre holostérique” and the company’s logo—“PNHB.” This instrument doesn’t just capture changes in the air; it serves as a reminder that art can live in every object, no matter how technical it may be.