Torricellian barometer

Unknown

ca. 1700–1710 · Walnut, with floral marquetry, veneered on oak; brass; glass; mercury · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Hermes, the Greek god of commerce and patron of weights and measures, was known to the Romans as Mercury. His image on this barometer is appropriate for an instrument to measure changes in air pressure. It doubles as an allusion to the column of mercury by which the measurement is made. The glass tube is a modern replacement.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1700–1710

Medium

Walnut, with floral marquetry, veneered on oak; brass; glass; mercury

Culture

British, probably London

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Irwin Untermyer, 1964