The History of Eyeglasses

The original function of glasses as an optical instrument can be declined in several variations, including that of being worn for aesthetic purposes, as costume accessories. A story and a universe that deserve to be better known thanks to carefully chosen objects.

The invention of eyeglasses dates back to Antiquity and more precisely to the 1st century AD. However, even though the Romans used precious stones like emerald to see better and despite the evocation by Alhazein, an Arab scholar in the 11th century who found a spherical lens which would make it possible to magnify texts, it was not until the 15th century that the concept of lenses in a frame appeared in Italy.

Over time, eyeglasses have taken on a multitude of forms and fulfilled several functions, both utilitarian and aesthetic, to the point of also becoming fashion accessories. One could also tell if someone had money by the eyeglasses they wore. From studded glasses to the « pince-nez » or the monocle, so many types of eyeglasses reveal information that will be sure to impress the visitor.

The exhibition presents around sixty artifacts dating from 1890 to 1960, from the impressive collection of the Beaulne Museum.