Antique Napoleon III Parisian Giltwood Barometer, “Bodeur a Paris”, Circa 1830

The top of the barometer features an “Apolline decoration”, with a mascaron of the God of Sun himself, set on top of a sunburst. There is a tied bow under Apollo’s chin, above the neck that is adorned with fluting reminiscent of an ordered column. A row of beading originates at the top of the neck and runs along the entire edge of the barometer’s facing. Surrounding this border is a raised molding that terminates at the top in a pair of volutes draped with a floral swag. The entire shape of the barometer is akin to a lyre, which was Apollo’s favorite musical instrument as the God of Music (he had many titles…).

A raised circular section near the base forms the housing for the barometer’s dial. The side of the platform is adorned with Vitruvian waves with a pierced center between the swells. Surrounding the glass face is a repeating foliage motif, complimenting the laurel leaves that encircle the dial. Two separate stems emerge from a tied bow at the top of the base of the column on the neck.

Although no longer functional as a scientific instrument (the mercury and mechanisms have been removed), our Napoleon III giltwood barometer would make for a fantastic wall-mounted sculpture. It is a perfect decorative accessory for a living room, office, or library.