Wall clock-barometer (baromètre et thermomètre en cartel) 1765 - 1775

This ornate wall clock-barometer, crafted by French artist Lange de Bourbon between 1765 and 1775, is a beautiful example of Rococo design. The silvered and gilt-bronze piece features a central clock face surrounded by intricate scrolls, acanthus leaves, and a decorative urn finial. Below, a barometer measures atmospheric pressure using a mercury column, displayed against a black background. This elegant and functional object was likely intended for a wealthy patron's home, reflecting the Rococo era's emphasis on opulence and the scientific advancements of the Enlightenment. The clock-barometer is now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection in New York City.