Eyeglasses

Many of us have to wear eyeglasses to be functional at SCA events. However, eyeglasses are infrequently depicted in pre-1600 art and literature. If we want to preserve a historical illusion, we have to be careful about what type of glasses frames we choose. Here are some tips...

Eyeglasses in History

The earliest eyeglasses date to perhaps the 13th century in Europe. The earliest glasses had convex lenses which correct farsightedness (hyperopia), as well as presbyopia that commonly develops with aging, so they were basically reading glasses. Several dozen historical images from our period can be found of men wearing or holding eyeglasses.

A few actual eyeglasses have been discovered and are in museums -- these are usually round, without "arms" on the side, and made of wood or horn. Good examples can be seen in the slideshow of the Wienhausen Spectacles.

The images of eyeglasses in situ boil down to this: old men who are highly academic, religious authorities, actual saints, misers, or all of the above. So if that suits your persona, you're good to go!

Women are not generally shown wearing glasses in our period. This shows a woman with eyeglasses (third from the right), though it's small, and she's just holding them. The description is "Patroness and virtues, Toison d'Or (BNF Fr. 138, fol. 1v), 15th-16th century." Also, the eyeglass seller (by Dirk Jacobsz) appears to be selling a pair of glasses to a woman. It's hard to tell in this next print, but according to the description, Temperance as depicted by Philips Galle (after Pieter Bruegel the Elder), 1560, has eyeglasses in her hand in this "Seven Virtues."

Modern Alternatives

Based on these historical images, your best bet is a simple, round metal eyeglass frame. Fairly thick prescriptions and bifocals can be accommodated in this style, so it's worth considering getting a set made for costume use if you attend many SCA events.

Cheapest: Zenni Optical -- round metal frames in various colors, $16 + shipping (prescription lenses also available).

Intermediate: Jas. Townsend and Son -- frames for 18th and 19th century re-enactors, $25 to $30 + shipping (does not make prescription lenses).

More expensive: Eyeglasses.com -- Dharma round metal frames in several metal tones, $65, free shipping (prescription lenses also available).

Searching for "round eyeglasses" may turn up other options. Looking online can be the best idea when round styles are not in fashion at the local optometrist's selection.

Sunglasses

Tinted glasses may have been used as far back as the 12th-century in China, but there's little evidence of "sunglasses" in Europe until the 18th century.

However, if you absolutely need to wear sunglasses during a bright, sunny outdoor event, one of the round metal frames listed above with a tinted or photo-gray lens will blend in and look more historical than modern sunglasses. Also, some of the reproduction 18th-century sunglasses are quite suitable.