The Middle Ages (51) : Spectacle wearer

This series is an attempt to illustrate how life was going on in the Middle Ages.

Spectacles were invented in the Middle Ages and I did some research for you.

It is generally thought that in 1284 the Italian friar Alessandro della Spina put 2 small magnifying glasses together in a wooden frame and so designed the first portable glasses.
This system, with only nose fixation (see picture), was used until the end of the 16th century.

Another name that is associated with the invention of the glasses, is Salvarino d'Armati who was also an Italian.
He died in 1317 in Florence and on his grave is mentioned "here rests the inventor of eyeglasses".

Photographed at medieval festival of castle Sterckshof (Deurne, Belgium)