Detail from François Bonvin, 'Still Life with Book, Papers and Inkwell', 1876.
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Spectacles

The name of the true inventor of spectacles has been lost, although documents suggest that the first pair was made in Italy between 1268 and 1289. Before this, a glass lens known as a 'reading stone' would be laid against written material to magnify the letters.

The first spectacles had convex lenses made of quartz and could only be used to look at things close-up. It was only in the 16th century, when concave lenses were introduced, that spectacles allowed short-sighted people to see objects in the distance.

Spectacle frames like those we use today, with hinged side pieces to rest on top of the ears, were invented in 1752. However, the glasses in this painting by Bonvin have the older variety of frame, which clips on to the bridge of the nose.

This painting is on long term loan to the Hugh Lane Municipal Gallery of Modern Art, Dublin.

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