Portable barometer 1690 - 1700

This portable barometer, created by English clockmaker Daniel Quare between 1690-1700, is a stunning example of scientific instrument design. Crafted from ebony, ivory, and gilt brass, the barometer features a tall, slender column with a square base and a distinctive twist to the central shaft. The ornate top, reminiscent of a small, gilded spire, houses the barometer's face, a testament to the intersection of science and craftsmanship in the late 17th century. Now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this barometer is a powerful reminder of the elegance and functionality of scientific instruments from this period.