Lot Essay
Despite the lack of contemporary documentary evidence, six models of barometers can confidently be attributed to André-Charles Boulle on the basis of comparison with his known models of clocks (J.N. Ronfort, 'André-Charles Boulle: die Bronzearbeiten und sein Werkstatt im Louvre', Vergoldete Bronzen, Munich, 1986, vol. II, pp. 509-510). The design of this model, the barometre à pyramide is related to Jean Bérain's published designs, such as that for the Pendule aux Harpies (op. cit., vol. I, fig. 1.5.1). The example in the Musée National des Techniques was seized during the Revolution from M. Lenoir du Breuil. Another is in the Jones Collection in the Victoria and Albert Museum (no. 11222-1882) (op. cit., vol. I, fig. 1.5.2). A number of features of the Jones barometer- the neoclassical character of the oval portrait medallion; the signature of the Louis XVI physicien Ciceri on the dial; and the use of the constructional technique of attaching the mounts from behind, thereby concealing the screws- have prompted the suggestion that it may be Louis XVI rather than Louis XIV.