IN THE MUSEUMS : Château de Versailles
Large barometer – Louis XV era
This large barometer belonged to King Louis XV and to King XVI in Versailles.
It was carved by Lemaire and gilded by Mazière. The plinths were made out of ebony veneering.
The barometer features a drawer, laurel-shaped ornaments, the King’s coat of arms, the symbols for Victory, Abundance and Peace, the Liée wreath, military trophies, flags, winged putti, royal decorations and a horn of plenty.
Late Louis XV era (1772 – 1775) early Louis XVI era.
Jean-Joseph Lemaire, Circa 1772-1775
Donated by Mr Kraemer and the Fond du Patrimoine.
Location: Château de Versailles
This large barometer was crafted by numerous artists and craftsmen: the sculptor appointed by Les Menus-Plaisirs, Jean-Joseph Lemaire, the gilder Simon Mazières, the engineer Toré, the mathematician Coulubrier, the optician Toré, the cabinetmaker Francastel, and the engraver Lesage.
It was commissioned by Papillon de la Ferté in 1772 for Louis XV after he received an order from the duc d’Aumont. This barometer had an unexpected fate. It was placed in several rooms in Versailles. It was then excluded from the revolutionary sales. It was eventually placed in the Versailles stores and then sent back to Paris.
It was sold by the Garde-Meuble to complete the Georges Hoentschel collection, and was then sold again a number of times. It was purchased by the Château de Versailles, which sent it to the Kraemer Gallery.
This barometer features beautiful iconography. A laurel tree stands on a rocky terrace. It sports military symbols and a globe that bears the royal coats of arms, and which is surmounted by a wreath.
The whole piece is framed by two winged putti lying on a pile of fruit. On the left, the fruits seem to poke out of the horn of plenty and on the right, they are resting on a shield and a quiver.
