Plumb Line Collection

Roman memento mori mosaic. Mosaics consist of small pieces of coloured glass or stone, used to form an image or pattern on a floor or wall

Ms 2200 f.58v Geometry from a collection of scientific, philosophical and poetic writings, French, 13th century
BEN85048 Ms 2200 f.58v Geometry from a collection of scientific, philosophical and poetic writings, French, 13th century; Bibliotheque Sainte-Genevieve, Paris, France; Photo © Raffaello Bencini

Architecture, 1747. Creator: Louis Fabritius Dubourg
Architecture, 1747

Design for the decorative arts and sciences on the Noordermarkt, 1795. Creator: Anon
Design for the decorative arts and sciences on the Noordermarkt, 1795. Minerva sitting in the clouds with plumbline (equality) above a wreath and fire labelled Nature and Reason'

Her Majesty laying the Foundation-Stone of the New Military Hospital at Hamble, near Southampton, 18 Creator: Unknown
Her Majesty laying the Foundation-Stone of the New Military Hospital at Hamble, near Southampton, 1856. Ceremony at the Royal Victoria Hospital

Construction of a church, detail from The Church of San Miguel (oil on panel)
IND388210 Construction of a church, detail from The Church of San Miguel (oil on panel) by Spanish School, (16th century); Avila Cathedral, Castilla y Leon, Spain; Index Fototeca

Plumb Line and Board, 1939. Creator: Walter Praefke
Plumb Line and Board, 1939

The Three Fates, c. 1670 (oil on canvas)
BI88649 The Three Fates, c.1670 (oil on canvas) by Mazzoni, Sebastiano (1611-78); 210.5x153. cm; The Henry Barber Trust, The Barber Institute of Fine Arts

Ms Fr 150 fol. 21r The Utilisation of the Sextant, from
XIR158685 Ms Fr 150 fol.21r The Utilisation of the Sextant, from Les Premieres Oeuvres de Jacques De Vaulx Pilote en la Marine, 1583 (pen and ink and wash on paper) by Devaulx

Stages and methods of floor laying, from Della Architettura
STC255917 Stages and methods of floor laying, from Della Architettura, published 1590 (engraving) by Rusconi, Giovanni Antonio (c.1520-87); Private Collection; (add.info)

Reproduction of a poster advertising the architectural practice of Paul Hankar
STC386316 Reproduction of a poster advertising the architectural practice of Paul Hankar, 1894 (colour litho) by Crespin, Adolphe Louis Charles (1859-1944); Private Collection; (add.info)

Monsieur Drovetti and his followers using a plumb line to measure a colossal head in
STC165076 Monsieur Drovetti and his followers using a plumb line to measure a colossal head in the Egyptian desert, engraved by G

Plumb bobs (ivory & silver) (see also 701108)
701087 Plumb bobs (ivory & silver) (see also 701108) by European School, (19th century); David Russell Collection; (add.info.: These bobs with unmarked silver points are adorned with piquework)

Ms Fr 150 fol. 23r Sextant, from Les Premieres Oeuvres de Jacques De Vaulx Pilote en
XIR360244 Ms Fr 150 fol.23r Sextant, from Les Premieres Oeuvres de Jacques De Vaulx Pilote en la Marine, 1583 (pen & ink and wash on paper) by Devaulx, Jacques (16th century); Bibliotheque Nationale

Studying Perspective among Roman Ruins
FTB64570 Studying Perspective among Roman Ruins by Visentini, Antonio (1688-1782); Gallerie dell Accademia, Venice, Italy; (add.info.: Visentini was an Italian architectural designer)

Road Level, 1938. Creator: Ethel Dougan
Road Level, 1938

The Draughtsman of the Lute. n. d. Creator: Albrecht Durer
The Draughtsman of the Lute.n.d

L Academie des Sciences et des Beaux-Arts, 1698. Creator
L Academie des Sciences et des Beaux-Arts, 1698

Diploma for the Freemasons of Bordeaux, after Francois Boucher, 1766

Archaeologist Bernardino Drovetti measuring a colossal head in the Egyptian desert, 1819
Bernardino Drovetti measuring a colossal head in the Egyptian desert, 1819. Drovetti (1776-1852) and his followers using a plumb line to measure the head

Experientia, from Prosopographia, ca. 1585-90. ca. 1585-90. Creator: Philip Galle
Experientia, from Prosopographia, ca. 1585-90

An artist drawing a lute with the aid of a perspective apparatus, illustration
XJF437430 An artist drawing a lute with the aid of a perspective apparatus, illustration from Durers Four Books on Measurement, published in 1525 (woodcut) by DAOErer or Duerer

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A plumb line, a timeless tool that has left its mark throughout history. From the intricate Roman memento mori mosaic to the meticulous construction of a church in The Church of San Miguel, this simple yet essential instrument has guided architects and builders for centuries. In Walter Praefke's painting "Plumb Line and Board, " we see the precision and attention to detail required in every construction project. The artist captures the essence of balance and accuracy as the plumb line hangs straight down, ensuring perfect alignment. The significance of the plumb line is not limited to architecture alone. In "The Three Fates, " an oil on canvas masterpiece from 1670, we witness these mythical figures using a plumb line to measure destiny itself. It serves as a reminder that life's course must be carefully measured and planned. Even in ancient manuscripts like Ms Fr 150 fol. 21r and Ms Fr 150 fol. 23r, we find depictions of sextants and their utilization with plumb lines. These tools were crucial for navigators like Jacques De Vaulx who sought precise measurements amidst vast oceans or among Roman ruins while studying perspective. Beyond its practical uses, the it has been celebrated artistically. A reproduction poster advertising Paul Hankar's architectural practice showcases this humble tool as an emblem of craftsmanship and innovation. From Monsieur Drovetti measuring colossal heads with a plumb line to exquisite ivory & silver-plated plumb bobs (see also 701108), it becomes evident that this unassuming object holds great importance across various disciplines. As Ethel Dougan beautifully captured in her artwork "Road Level, " completed in 1938, even road construction relies on accurate leveling achieved through diligent use of the trusty old plumb line.