Patina perfection!
A magnificent and impressive monumental size over 240 year old Louis XVI period (c.1774–1793) hand carved and painted …
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Patina perfection!
A magnificent and impressive monumental size over 240 year old Louis XVI period (c.1774–1793) hand carved and painted gilt wood signed French wall thermometer and barometer.
Having a hand decorated enamel dial signed "Carcano" for distinguished scientific instrument inventor Antonio Carcano (c.1755-1820) and Joseph, most likely for celebrated Parisian ébéniste Jean-Joseph de Saint-Germain (c.1719 - 1791)
Originating in Paris, France during the second half of the 18th century, exquisitely hand-crafted and of very fine quality, richly detailed, polychrome decorated and ornamented in sophisticated Neoclassical taste. Monumental in size, standing three and a half feet tall, having an ornately carved lobbed urn with pineapple shaped finial topping a contoured and rounded solid giltwood case creating a most elegant shaped and stylized elongated banjo silhouette, garnished with a single garland openwork swag carving, over brilliant water gilded carved running ornamentation trim framing a beautifully aged and heavily distressed pale green painted finish. Muted, light and airy pale green paint color, cream, with subtle parcel gilt bronze-tone and decadent water gilt bright gold-tone raised panels and acanthus fiolate.
Featuring a handblown glass thermometer retaining remnants of the original hand-painted paper label inscribed with atmospheric condition details. Over an early mercury barometer with original hand painted dial and metal hands, protected behind convex glass face.
An exceedingly rare and important work, but what truly sets this fabulous example apart, is that the wooden planked verso is fitted with an open channel that retains the original mechanical components, including a pair of liquid metal mercury filled glass tubes, vacuum mechanism, long column blown glass tube, stringing, and more. It does not appear to be currently working, the string/rope deteriorating with age, etc.. but having the original parts is an exceptionally rare occurrence and highly unusual, as workings were commonly damaged and lost centuries ago.
The dial is signed:
"Josef"
"Carcano"
"Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Denis"
(the artisans workshop was located on this street in the 10th arrondissement of Paris. Historically, this street was an extremely weathy upper-class area, occupied by the finest jewellers and textile merchants)
"Fripiere Au Phenix"
History:
Antoine Carcano (c. 1755-1820)
An early maker of barometers, thermometers, and an inventor of various scientific instruments. Of Italian descent, he became famous in Paris, first at 37 rue de la Roquette and then at Place Dauphine. He supplied barometers and other scientific instruments to the Ecole Militaire in 1786; the following year he supplied a tube barometer to British optical instruments manufacturer Peter Dollond (1731-1821). During the Empire his clientele included Sir Benjamin Thompson, Count Rumford, the American born British physicist who in 1813 received a Carcano thermometer vase for measuring the heat of various solids and liquids.
Jean-Joseph de Saint-Germain (Paris 1719-1791)
He was probably the most renowned Parisian of the mid 18th century. Active as of 1742, master-craftsman in July 1748. He became famous for his many clock and cartel cases, such as his Diana the Huntress (an example is in the Louvre Museum), the clock supported by two Chinamen (a similar example is in the Musée des Arts décoratifs in Lyon), as well as several clocks based on animal themes, including elephant and rhinoceros clocks (an example in the Louvre Museum). In the early 1760’s he played an important role in the renewal of the French decorative arts and the development of the Neo-classical style, an important example of which may be seen in his Genius of Denmark clock, made for Frederic V and based on a model by Augustin Pajou (1765, in the Amalienborg Palace, Copenhagen). Saint-Germain also made several clocks inspired by the theme of Learning, or Study, based on a model by Louis-Félix de La Rue (examples in the Louvre Museum, the Gulbenkian Foundation, Lisbon, and the Metropolitan Museum in New York). Along with his clock cases, Saint-Germain also made bronze furniture mounts, such as andiron fire dogs, wall decor sconce lighting, and candelabra. His entire body of work bears witness to his remarkable skills, as well as to his extraordinary creativity. He retired in 1776
Dimensions (approx):
43" High, 12" Wide, 2.5" Deep
Condition:
Scarce completely original, unrestored, antique condition, with highly desirable warm, rustic patina, worn, heavily distressed, weathered, chippy paint with superb craquelure. We do not test or guarantee any scientific instrument for functionality or accuracy. Overall in great shape, strong and structurally sound, sturdy and stable finish, with wear and tear commensurate with age and use including scuffs, scratches, nicks, substantial chippy paint and finish losses, and other age appropriate imperfections, that do not detract from the aesthetic display but only adds to the overall antique character, rustic European charm and rich, historical depth.
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Makes for a spectacular wall statement piece or decoration, the wall hanging objet d'art (object of art) is sure to add a unique touch of relaxed unpretentious luxury, light and airy mellow color , and cozy, romantic warmth.
Timeless design that compliments a wide variety of interior styles, including one of our favorite, wabi-sabi, which is all about finding beauty in imperfection, asymmetrical unbalance and one-of-a-kind handmade works.
From comfortable and curated shabby chic farmhouse modern, Provincial's reserved elegance, soft hued color palette mix of Nordic country Swedish Gustavian, earthy and colorful Mediterranean Venetian baroque, opulent shiny metallic hollywood glam, brighten Tuscan old world, to more traditional contemporary interior styles like classic Hamptons coastal or luxurious regency style, this old home weather station features an interesting and eclectic mix of colors, layers, textures, and other decorative elements
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