Loading
Object Overview
This Dutch bakbarometer from the mid-20th century, signed by Roselli, is a replica of a peculiar Dutch bakbarometer dating back to 1785. The barometer's casing is crafted from walnut, featuring an elegant wood texture and a deep, noble sheen. The upper and lower parts of the casing are veneered with burl wood, showcasing a unique pattern.
A triangular pediment above the frieze is framed by profiled edges, interrupted by a finial. The upper borders of the pediment are adorned with stepped protrusions, adding depth and emphasizing classical architecture. The corners of the pediment feature inlays of light rectangular blocks, creating a striking geometric pattern. The center of the pediment is crowned with a black urn, fashioned as a lathe-turned element. This urn serves as a decorative feature commonly found in European art of the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in styles such as Neoclassicism, Louis XVI, and Empire. It symbolizes not only aesthetic completeness but also lends the piece an air of solemnity and monumentality.
The entire front of the casing consists of a long glass panel with a thin frame, functioning as a hinged door on brass hinges, secured with a pair of brass hooks on the left side. This design simultaneously provides visibility of the internal components, protects them from external factors, and allows direct interaction when needed. For indirect interaction — such as adjusting the trend indicator to mark the current reading on the barometer's scale — the door is equipped with a special mechanism. Additionally, a brass knob on the right side of the casing allows for the indicator's movement.
n/a
sifon
The main body transitions into a characteristic compact compartment with geometric inlays typical for barometers of this type. The front part of the compartment is a removable lid that opens upward when the glass door is open. This wooden compartment protects the lower sections of the mercury tubes. Beneath the compartment are black lathe-turned handles resembling balusters, adding both stability and a decorative accent to the construction. Additionally, above the compartment are three decorative protective elements for the tubes in black, creating visual symmetry.
On either side of the cistern-bulb tube barometer are symmetrical metal register plates. Brass fittings secure the panels, paying homage to the original barometer's design. The upper sections of the register plates are decorated with engraved images of vases adorned with garlands and handles. Such details emphasize the barometer’s classical style and harmonious design. The vases feature meticulously detailed patterns, including dotted designs and smooth lines. Garlands gracefully cascade down on both sides, adding symmetry and refinement. The left plate bears the craftsman’s signature.The lower parts of the plates are embellished with stylized floral motifs or fanciful designs. The central element resembles a decorative pattern framed by curved lines and scrolls, evoking the impression of tassels or garlands.
Dutch bakbarometers are renowned for their variety of scales and units of atmospheric pressure measurement. At the top of the plates, the barometric scale for the cistern-bulb tube barometer is presented in London inches of mercury (on the left) and Rhineland inches of mercury (on the right). Alongside the barometric scale, standard textual weather indications in Dutch are engraved.
The Rhineland inch is a historical unit of length used in Prussia and the Rhine Confederation. It measured approximately 2.61545 centimeters. In 1816, the so-called "decimal inch", equivalent to 3.76625 centimeters, was introduced in Prussia. The Rhine Confederation (Rheinbund) was a political union of German states established by Napoleon I in 1806 after the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire. The Confederation was created on July 12, 1806, after Napoleon compelled Emperor Franz II to abdicate, officially ending the empire. Initially comprising 16 German states, its membership grew to 36.
Another unique scale commonly found on Dutch case barometers is the "Scale-36" (36-schaal). In this scale, the region-specific barometric pressure range is divided into 36 steps (from 0 to 20 in one direction and to 16 in the other), with each division representing a specific pressure change. To correlate the values on this scale with more familiar units, one can refer to the right register plate, where London inches of mercury are also displayed alongside the Scale-36. It’s important to note that this scale was used to display readings from the double-tube counter barometer (contrabarometer) — a special type of barometer where, in addition to mercury in one tube, the opposite (counter) tube contains colored oil. Thus, air pressure acts directly on the oil column, causing it to drop with increased atmospheric pressure and rise with decreased pressure. The numbers on these scales are also arranged in reverse order compared to traditional barometers.
The final element of this barometer is an alcohol thermometer located in the lower section of the left register plate. The thermometer features two scales: Réaumur and Fahrenheit. In 1730, French scientist René Réaumur defined 0 degrees as the freezing point of water and 80 degrees as the boiling point. Next to the thermometer, engravings with dates or place names can be found. These correspond to recorded high and low temperature readings in university towns.
This barometer stands out for its refined craftsmanship, use of high-quality materials, and classical geometric decoration. The casing is not only functional but also serves as a striking example of decorative applied art.