Barometer and thermometer

This exquisite piece incorporates both a mercuric barometer and thermometer in a pear wood case veneered with première-partie Boulle marquetry. A fleur-de-lis is incorporated into the marquetry design, which may indicate a royal provenance. The gilt-bronze mounts include figures of Astronomy and Geometry, thus further referencing the interest in science and natural philosophy that characterised the 17th and 18th centuries.