Drawing aids
Accurately drawing an observed subject was the goal of many artists from the Renaissance onwards. Various optical devices were developed to help them.
A camera obscura (Latin for dark chamber) forms an image of an external subject within a darkened room or box, which can then be traced. Images are improved by using a converging lens and diaphragm, while an angled mirror corrects the inversion of the image. Camera obscuras could be handheld [1] or room sized, with a lens inserted into a wall or shutter [2].
William Wollaston patented the camera lucida in 1806 [3]. Using a prism, the artist is able to observe the subject superimposed onto a piece of paper, allowing it to be traced. Specialised camera lucidas could be attached to microscopes, or incorporated into telescopes [4].
Other narratives:
Related Objects:
- Inventory No. 78618, "Reflex Camera Obscura, c. 1820" [1944-1/part]
- Inventory No. 75497, "Scioptric Ball, English, 18th Century" [1944-1/part]
- Inventory No. 95918, "Wollaston Prism Pattern Camera Lucida with Lenses, by George Dollond, London, c. 1820 with case" [1944-1/part], Dollond, George
- Inventory No. 60279, "Graphic Telescope, by Cornelius Varley, London, c. 1812" [1944-1/part], Varley, Cornelius