14. Scioptic Ball, c. 1700

Unsigned.

A static camera obscura which projects a reduced image on to a wall or screen. The ball made of lignum vitae with two long-focus lenses of 25 mm aperture converts a room into a large camera obscura when mounted in a window shutter of a darkened room. The universal joint allows it to be swivelled into any position. It was invented by Daniel Schwenter, professor of mathematics and oriental languages at Altdorf, in 1636, for drawing panoramic views.

Frame 140 x 140 mm.
Inventory no. 78,216.