The use of eyeglasses in the Netherlands is documented from the second half of the 14th century. The spectacle frame of this period is composed of two parts held together by a small metal rivet. The enlarging lens (reading glass) was made by Italian monks using beryl, a semi-precious mineral. Reading glasses were in use in Italy from the 13th century, either pinched on the nose or hand-held. They were rare and expensive, therefore only rich merchants and clerics could afford them.

 

The finds of spectacles from the monastery of Wienhausen (D) include three different frames, two straight and one curved. The woods used are box and lime. This copy is of dark coloured horn.

For more details, see http://www.antiquespectacles.com/topics/wienhausen.htm.

 

dimensions: 82 mm folded

provenance: Wienhausen (D)

date: 14th century