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Object Overview
The Neo-Gothic barometer crafted by the renowned firm Negretti & Zambra between 1940 and 1950 serves not only as a scientific instrument but as a piece of decorative art, where every element conveys a meeting of scientific rigor and aesthetic pursuit. Its body, made of solid oak, is distinguished by its impressive width, emphasizing the strength and immovable massiveness of the structure. The deep, rich tones and distinctive grain of the wood are meant to enhance the sense of time captured in its dense texture. Each pattern of the grain seems to tell a story of the tree's past, reflecting the strength and reliability of a bygone era.
At the top of the barometer rises a straight pediment — a classic element that emphasizes the vertical symmetry of the composition, subtly referencing the architectural motifs of Neo-Gothic style. This pediment, like a pillar of eternity, forms the foundation of the entire piece, highlighting the craftsman’s intention to immortalize in the object the balance between classical austerity and the intricate romance of Gothic aesthetics.
The five-inch dial, made of silvered brass, shimmers with a subtle luster, creating a play of light and shadow on its surface. The engraving, combining Roman and Victorian Gothic letters, evokes an attempt to merge the elegance of antiquity with the stern drama of medieval aesthetics. Each letter, meticulously engraved on the dial, carries more than just functionality — it is an artistic attempt to capture the spirit of an era, to embody in form the pursuit of an ideal to which the creators aspired.
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Special attention is drawn to the protective glass made of acrylic (PMMA), embedded within a strict brass bezel. This choice of material is a deliberate decision that combines modern engineering thought with a dedication to craftsmanship. The acrylic ensures durability and protects the entire structure without disturbing the harmony of forms and lines. The bezel, with its precise contour, emphasizes the symmetry of the barometer and serves as a kind of frame for the entire composition, like the ornamental setting of an icon.
Above the dial, the craftsman placed a mercury thermometer with dual Fahrenheit and Centigrade scales, set on a silvered brass base. The elegance of its form and carefully considered placement speaks to skilled work with the material and a deep understanding of proportions. The thermometer is protected by flat glass, which, without drawing undue attention to itself, allows the viewer to focus on the refinement of the linear graphics of the scales and divisions.
Ultimately, this Negretti & Zambra barometer becomes not just a scientific instrument but an embodiment of time captured in material. Here, art meets technique, creating an object that firmly occupies its place in the history of decorative arts as a testament to the search for compromise between aesthetics and functionality.