Photo © Israel Museum, Jerusalem, by David Harris

Barometer
Chippendale period (mid-late 18th century)
ca. 1755
Mahogany and parcel gilt
H: 101 cm
Gift of David Berg, New York, to American Friends of the Israel Museum, In memory of his mother Ida Berg
Accession number: B81.0971
 
 
A George III mahogany and parcel gilt barometer by Casartelli.
This barometer, the maker of which is unrecorded although possibly of Italian origin as were many instrument-makers living in London in the 18th century, is primarily a decorative object, with its finely carved case in the rococo manner. The barometric pressure is indicated by the height of the mercury in the glass column at the top in relation to the printed scale. A point of interest on the case of this example is the use of gilding to highlight the crisp carving.

Publications:
The Eighteenth Century English Dining Room, Israel Museum, Jerusalem

Digital presentation of this object was made possible by: The Ridgefield Foundation, New York, in memory of Henry J. and Erna D. Leir