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 18” in length by 8” in width. When opened fully, it measures nearly 24” in length. Images were focused by sliding a box within a box. A slanted internal mirror reflected the Image onto a 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 also in absolutely pristine condition and worthy of any museum specializing in early photography. It has a notable provenance which will remain anonymous in respect to the previous owners.