A contribution to the history of spectacles in Croatia

Abstract

The earliest data on spectacles in Croatia originate from the 14th century. Inventories of personal belongings and valuables of distinguished individuals testify about the existence of spectacles from the 14th century onward. Pictorial representations of spectacles and spectacle cases are found in Croatia in various forms: as a watermark in a 14th century paper, on a silver altar-piece from 1477, on paintings, frescoes and wood-cuts from the 15th century onward. A pair of 16th century spectacles are kept in Split (Poljud) and a selection of 18th to 20th century spectacles are on display in various museums in Croatia. In 17th century literature the effect of lenses on ametropia is discussed and Latin and Croatian terms for spectacles and opticians are mentioned.