Object Record
Images
Additional Images [14]
Metadata
Object Name |
Camera Lucida |
Collection |
Lambton Heritage Museum Collection |
Catalog Number |
LHM 2022.009.004 a - n |
Description |
a) Long rectangular case made of black leather. The case has a hinged lid and has been lined with red satin on the top and red velvet on the bottom. A long narrow bar has been fitted inside the bottom edge of the case, the end of the bar is exposed on right hand side. This piece acts as a locking mechanism to secure the contents of the box. b) Silver Camera Lucida. The optical device features a C-shaped clamp at the base with an additional piece of metal that controls the angle of the metal rod attached to the clamp. The metal rod extends at two points where a textured piece of metal has been added that can adjusts the tightness. Near the end, there are two adjustable knobs along with a short metal rod that has two black metal teeth to hold the optical lenses in place. c - n) An assortment of small rectangular pieces of glass varying in thickness. The edges are tapered and smooth. On one end, each of the pieces feature a small number etched into the glass, from one to twelve. |
Provenance |
The Camera Lucida, or Chambre Claire in French, was widely used in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was constructed entirely of metal and was considered both a scientific and an artistic instrument. This item is an optical illusion device used for drawing. The optical device would be clamped to the side of a table and hold the lens in place. The lenses allowed the artist to see the tip of the pencil on the paper and in the same place, an image of what is in front of him. The image could then be drawn by following the contours of the double image. |
Dimensions |
W-6 L-28 cm |
Inscription Type |
Manufacturer's Mark |
Inscription Technique |
Engraved |
Inscription Location |
On side of b) |
Inscription Text |
Chambre Claire Universelle Modele Depose Made in France |
Search Terms |
Art Drawing Tools |