Cased Banjo Barometer c. 1800

This cased Banjo Barometer, made by Bastorelle, is a fascinating object that blends utility with decorative design. Though we lack specific dates for its creation, the barometer reflects broader cultural and social dynamics of its time. This object speaks to the burgeoning scientific interests of the period, while the banjo shape could be interpreted as a nod to the cultural importance of music. Barometers were tools of navigation, critical for predicting weather conditions. At sea this knowledge would mean survival or death. The barometer's design and display in domestic spaces speak volumes about the relationship between science, domesticity, and personal identity. The beautiful floral carvings add to the overall warmth and comforting tone of the barometer. We can read the barometer as a reflection of shifting societal concerns, where scientific understanding and cultural identity intertwined, mirroring personal safety, and also cultural and creative expression.