Camera Obscura
Circa 1820s
Country of Origin: Likely England

Ex Collection Michael Kramer

the concept of a camera Obscura as an artist’s sketching device has been known for centuries. however, the mystery of capturing an image and making it permanent and portable eluded humankind until Louis Daguerre mastered the proper chemistry and optics to make it possible in 1839. This magnificent Walnut Camera obscura pre-dates photography and was likely crafted in England in the early 1820s. When closed, it measures approximately 15 1/2” in length by 7 1/2” in width and 5 3/4” tall. When opened fully, it measures 22” in length. The ground glass viewing screen measures 5” x 7”. Images were focused by sliding a box within a box. A slanted internal mirror reflected the Image onto the ground glass, and the user then traced the image that was produced.

Of all the cameras in my collection this piece is definitely the oldest (pre-photographic). It is in extremely fine condition. and It has a notable provenance which will remain anonymous in respect to the previous owners.