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Lot Essay
The 'diagonal barometer' is incorporated in a temple-pedimented 'tabernacle' frame , which is designed in the George II 'Roman' fashion with tablet corners festooned with oak sacred to Jupiter 'the thunderer'. The arm of the barometer, which is paired with a thermometer in the right-hand pilaster, rises above the bevelled glass plate, and is surmounted by a hygrometer (humidity) dial incorporated in the frieze.
Its frame pattern evolved from the late 17th century 'diagonal barometer' as featured in the c. 1700 trade-sheet of the 'weather-glass maker' John Patrick, who wrote of his 'quicksilver barometer' - This moves 30 inches for Fair and Foul weather & hath on the right hand a Thermometer, Shewing 90 degrees between the greatest Heat & Cold and a large Looking-glass in the middle (N. Goodison, English Barometers 1680-1860, London, 1969, pl. 7). The inclusion of the hygrometer with such barometers took place during the middle of the l8th century. Related mirror patterns, with cartouches displayed in hollowed pediments, featured in W. Jones, The Gentleman or Builder's Companion; and B.Langley's Treasury of Designs, 1740.
Its frame pattern evolved from the late 17th century 'diagonal barometer' as featured in the c. 1700 trade-sheet of the 'weather-glass maker' John Patrick, who wrote of his 'quicksilver barometer' - This moves 30 inches for Fair and Foul weather & hath on the right hand a Thermometer, Shewing 90 degrees between the greatest Heat & Cold and a large Looking-glass in the middle (N. Goodison, English Barometers 1680-1860, London, 1969, pl. 7). The inclusion of the hygrometer with such barometers took place during the middle of the l8th century. Related mirror patterns, with cartouches displayed in hollowed pediments, featured in W. Jones, The Gentleman or Builder's Companion; and B.Langley's Treasury of Designs, 1740.