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| Advertising flyer for a Camera Obscura in our Collection |
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On the left is a portion of a flyer advertising the "Improved Camera Obscura, For the instruction of Youth in the Art of Drawing & Coloring." The illustration shows a young man with a box camera obscura on a table drawing a woman sitting in a chair. The flyer appears to date from near 1819/1820. London Magazine from 1819 is quoted and it does not mention that Benjamin West, who died in 1820, is deceased. As often happens in our camera obscura research, the reference to Benjamin West led us to stories about his discovery of a naturally occurring camera obscura as a child. |
A larger scan of the entire flyer is posted. The text reads: By this Instrument, persons unacquainted with Drawing, are enabled to take an exact likeness of anything they desire. By these means Mr West, the Historical painter became possessed of his splendid talents. (see London Magazine 1819) Direction for use. NB. If placed in a position so as to reflect objects in motion it will represent a beautiful panorama of animated nature. 61 Red Lion ** Cou***of (*not able to read) |
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