Barometer/thermometer gemerkt: Ps. Wast Fecit Amsterdam. 1785 - 1800

Editor: So this is “Barometer/thermometer gemerkt: Ps. Wast Fecit Amsterdam,” made sometime between 1785 and 1800 by Ps. Wast. It's crafted from metal and wood, giving it quite a sturdy presence. I am struck by its height. What do you make of it? Curator: Well, think about what a barometer and thermometer symbolized during that era. They weren't just scientific tools; they represented humanity's burgeoning understanding of the natural world, a desire to chart and control its mysteries. In a way, they stand as symbols of Enlightenment ideals, measuring our place within the cosmos. Editor: So the piece reflects a specific worldview of that time? Curator: Exactly! The baroque style, with its flourishes and ornate details, emphasizes this grand ambition. Consider also the placement within a Dutch Golden Age context – a time of burgeoning trade and global exploration. These tools would be valuable for ship navigation, which had a profound cultural impact and elevated Holland's role in international economics and colonial ambitions. How do these symbols work for you? Editor: I guess I hadn't considered that a thermometer could be more than just a tool; you are highlighting its symbolism. That’s really fascinating. Curator: And beyond utility, think about cultural memory. For centuries, communities looked to the skies for portents. These instruments shifted that perspective – subtly moving from superstition to measurable science, shaping how future generations perceived weather, agriculture, and even their place in the world. They stand as memory objects, tracing cultural shifts through visual forms. Editor: That’s given me a lot to think about - seeing something ordinary like a barometer as a record of deep cultural change is definitely a fresh perspective for me. Curator: And hopefully it will encourage others to delve beneath the surface, revealing deeper truths.