The Origins of Photography: Niépce, Daguerre, and Talbot (1839-45)

Key Works

1) Athanasius Kircher, Camera Obscura, 1646 (Slide 1)

Biographical Background: Kircher lived 1602-1680. He was a polymath and a German Jesuit Scholar who was compared to DaVinci in terms of his vast range of interests. Some regard him as the founder of Egyptology. Some of his many inventions included the magnetic clock, and the first megaphone. Kircher also wrote ARS MAGNA LUCIS ET UMBRAE (“The Great Art of Light and Shadows”).

ARTIFACT 01 > Athanasius Kircher, *Camera Obscura*, 1646

Artistic Contributions: His Camera Obscura lay between an optical device and an architectural interior. The room was described as being portable, could be used with a chair. The shell was equipped with lenses located at the centre of each wall. Inside the cube, a second translucent layer acted as a support for the artist’s drawing.

CAMERA OBSCURA > “DARK ROOM” (LATIN)

The Camera Obscura enhanced a natural optical phenomenon which consists in the projection of a scene through a small hole as a reversal and mirrored image on a surface on the opposite side. The area close to the projected image was darkened.

Kircher’s device enhanced the natural phenomenon through the addition of of a lens in correspondence to the hole.

The Camera Obscura allowed for exact (although reversed) projections of subjects they intended to represent. It’s similar to how our eyes work.

2) Johannes Kepler, Portable Tent Camera Obscura, 1620 (Slide 1)

ARTIFACT 02 > Johannes Kepler, *Portable Tent Camera Obscura*, 1620.

Biographical Background: Kepler lived from 1571-1630. He was a German astronomer, mathematician, astrologer, natural philosopher, and writer on music. He came up with the Laws of Planetary Motion, and provided influence to Newton and his theory of universal gravitation. He is also considered the “father of scientific fiction” (Somnium).

He completed key writings on OPTICAL THEORY (Astronomiae Pars Optica - The Optical Part of Astronomy). He was also the first to recognize that images are projected inverted and reversed by the eye’s lens onto the retina.

Artistic Contributions: May have been the first to use the term Camera Obscura in 1604.

He used the Camera Obscura to make astronomical observations. He created his portable version to carry around Upper Austria. It was a test with table and chair, where the artist could sit inside, with the lens positioned above the sitter, with a cloth tent wrapped around the person to create the required darkness. A variation on this has the tent sitting on a table, with the artist sitting outside of it, leaning into it to work.

3) Early Camera Obscura Diagrams (Slide 1)

Links of Interest…

Delpiano, Roberto. “The Camera Obscura Timeline.”

Dos Santos, João. “a short historical framework for the drawing chamber.” drawingchamber.

“What is a Camera Obscura?” Camera Obscura & a World of Illusions, 10 Jun 2020.

CAMERA OBSCURA

LATIN > CAMERA > Chamber / Room
> OBSCURA > Dark
ANCIENT GREEK > CAMERA > Vaulted Chamber
Camera Obscura > DARK CHAMBER > DARK ROOM

From Wikipedia:

“A Camera Obscura is a darkened room with a small hole or lens at one side through which an image is projected onto a wall or table opposite the hole. The image (or the principle of its projection) of lensless camera obscuras is also referred to as "pinhole image”.
Camera obscura can also refer to analogous constructions such as a box or tent in which an exterior image is projected inside. Camera obscuras with a lens in the opening have been used since the second half of the 16th century and became popular as aids for drawing and painting. The concept was developed further into the photographic camera in the first half of the 19th century, when camera obscura boxes were used to expose light-sensitive materials to the projected image.
The camera obscura was used to study eclipses without the risk of damaging the eyes by looking directly into the Sun. As a drawing aid, it allowed tracing the projected image to produce a highly accurate representation, and was especially appreciated as an easy way to achieve proper graphical perspective.
Before the term camera obscura was first used in 1604, other terms were used to refer to the devices: cubiculum obscurum, cubiculum tenebricosum, conclave obscurum, and locus obscurus.
A camera obscura without a lens but with a very small hole is sometimes referred to as a pinhole camera, although this more often refers to simple (homemade) lensless cameras where photographic film or photographic paper is used.“

From Scott Billings, “Camera Obscura.” History of Science Museum (UK):

With a camera obscura, you can perfectly capture the world around you by projecting what's on the outside down into a darkened space on the inside.
And you don't need a power source.
That means it's not 'magic' — but it is really useful science.
Camera obscura — and before them, pinhole cameras — have been around for several hundred years.
But it wasn't until the early 1600s CE that we were able to manufacture lenses of high enough quality to create more flexible cameras with larger openings (apertures). That meant letting in more light to create brighter, higher-quality images.
Draughtsman and painters would once have used a camera obscura like this for making accurate, detailed sketches of scenes — like landscapes or architecture.
It was particularly useful for capturing perspective — accurately representing the height, width, depth and relative position of what you can see in the 3D world on a 2D flat surface.

ARTIFACT 04 > The Art of Photography. “The Camera Obscura.” YouTube, 03 Dec 2008.

ARTIFACT 04 Summary

Overview

This video focuses on a discussion of the Camera Obscura, a device which predated modern photography.
The origins of photography can be traced back to before the 1800s, involving an assortment of early image recording techniques, where each development built upon another.
Ultimately, the video argues that optics and light manipulation are key in understanding image projection and photography.
The video provides a practical demonstration of creating a camera obscura using a cardboard box and lens. Through this demonstration, there is an explanation of light manipulation techniques including: reflection, projection, and refraction.

Historical Context

The camera obscura can be traced back to discussions by historical figures like Aristotle and Leonardo da Vinci. During the Renaissance, it has been suggested how some artists possibly used light rooms for tracing images, enhancing realism in paintings.

Practical Demonstration

The video provides a demonstration of creating a camera obscura using a cardboard box and a simple lens. Specifically:
- A hole is cut in the box, and light is projected onto the back of the box.
- A clear glass bulb is used to show the filament and image projection.
- The image is projected upside down due to the nature of light travel.

Light Manipulation Techniques

Reflection: Seen in mirrors, reflecting an image opposite to reality.
Refraction: Using glass to manipulate light, projecting images onto surfaces.
Projection: Demonstrated by creating a pinhole in the box to project light.
Aperture: The size of the hole affects light entry and image detail.
Focal Length: The distance affects image size and focus, with shorter lengths providing a wider angle.

ARTIFACT 05 > George Eastman Museum. “Before Photography - Photographic Processes Series - Chapter 1 of 12.” YouTube, 03 Aug 2018.

ARTIFACT 05 Summary

Overview

Photography has a long history that evolved through multiple discoveries.
A silhouette captures essence, predating photography.
The Camera Obscura would become a foundational tool in the development of photography.
Johann Heinrich Schulze proved light sensitivity.
Thomas Wedgwood experimented with the use of silver nitrate.
Wedgwood's work would influence Talbot, Daguerre, and Niepce.

Evolution of Photography

Photography's development was not a single discovery but a series of innovations. There were both winners and losers throughout its history, reflecting its complex evolution.

Silhouette and Early Techniques

Silhouettes were seen as capturing the essence of a person, predating photography.
Pantograph machine and Physionotrace were early tools to reduce shadow sizes.
These methods provided more objective portraits compared to subjective painted ones.

Camera Obscura

Camera Obscura: a dark room with a small hole projecting an image, known for thousands of years.
Improvements with this process included adding a lens for a brighter, focused image.
Early photographers aimed to capture images within this box.

Key Experiments

Johann Heinrich Schulze: Demonstrated light sensitivity using a jar with chalk, nitric acid, and silver. He also proved that light, not heat, caused the reaction.
Thomas Wedgwood: Used silver nitrate on paper and leather to create images. He also experimented with contact printing and camera obscura. He struggled to fix images, which were temporary.

Influence on Future Innovators

Wedgwood's experiments, documented by Humphry Davy, influenced later pioneers like Talbot, Daguerre, and Niepce. His work served as a foundation for further experimentation in photography.

4) Johann Zahn, Box Camera Obscura, 1685 (Slide 1)

Biographical Background: Zahn lived from 1641-1707. He was known as a student of light, one of the most prolific writers and illustrators of the Camera Obscura. He wrote “Oculus Artificialis Teledioptrius Sive Telescopium” (1685). The work contained many descriptions and diagrams, illustrations and sketches of both the camera obscura and magic lantern, along with various other lanterns, slides, projection types, peepshow boxes, microscopes, telescopes, reflectors, and lenses.

ARTIFACT 06 > Johann Zahn, *Box Camera Obscura*, 1685.

Artistic Contributions: Zahn envisioned and wrote about the first camera that was small and portable enough to be practical for photography (that is, actually capturing an image on some sort of medium) in 1685, although it was almost 150 years before technology caught up to the point where it was possible to actually build one.

5) Images of Camera Lucidia, early 1800s. (Slide 2)

Links of Interest…

ARTIFACT 07 > Illustration of a Camera Lucidia.

CAMERA LUCIDIA | Well Lit Room

The Camera Lucidia is an OPTICAL DEVICE used as a drawing aid by artists and microscopists. It projects an optical superimposition of the subject being viewed onto the surface upon which the artist is drawing. The artist sees both the scene and drawing surface simultaneously, as in a photographic double exposure. This allows the artist to duplicate key points of the scene on the drawing surface, thus aiding in the accurate rendering of perspective.

Kepler described its basic optics in 1611, but it’s not known if he or his contemporaries ever built one. William Fox Talbot used it as a sketching aid, but was disappointed with its results.

ARTIFACT 08 > Mathieu Stern. “Testing the Secret Tool that Lets You Draw Photorealistically - Camera Lucidia.” YouTube, 26 Aug 2022.

ARTIFACT 08 Summary

Overview

The Camera Lucida is a 120-year-old optical tool for creating photorealistic drawings.
Artists historically used it secretly to enhance the realism of their work.
Artists such as David Hockney and Gustav Kybot are notable users.
Sir John Herschel and William Henry Fox Talbot contributed to its history.
The Neolucida is a modern version designed by Pablo Garcia.

Camera Lucida: Historical and Modern Use

The Camera Lucida is an optical device that allows artists to trace realistic images.
It consists of a prism on an adjustable stand that lets artists see both their subject and paper simultaneously.
Historically, artists kept its use secret to maintain the illusion of skill.

Notable Historical Users

Gustav Kybot possibly used the camera lucida for accurate perspectives, aligning his drawings perfectly with real-life geometry.
Sir John Herschel and William Henry Fox Talbot were early adopters of the Camera Lucidia, with Talbot's frustration leading to the invention of photography.
Contemporary artist David Hockney has used a vintage camera lucida for realistic portraits, emphasizing that the tool aids but does not create art.

Modern Exploration and Innovation

The narrator, despite lacking drawing skills, improved with practice using the camera lucida. The narrator plans to continue practicing and experimenting with the camera lucida.
Pablo Garcia created the Neolucida, a modern version, to make the tool accessible today.

Philosophical Insights

The use of tools like the camera lucida does not diminish artistic talent.
The video notes that embracing new technologies, like AI, can enhance artistic possibilities and efficiency.

6) Joseph Nićephore Niepce, View from a Window at Le Gras, 1826. (Slide 3)

Biographical Background: French inventor Joseph Niepce lived from 1765-1833, and is one of the earliest inventors of photography, known for his work on the development of a process called HELIOGRAPHY.

ARTIFACT 09 > Niepce, Joseph. “View from a Window at Le Gras.” Heliograph on pewter plate, (taken between 1822-27, possibly 1826).

ARTIFACT 10 > Gernsheim, Helmut. “Retouched / Enhanced Version of Niepce’s *View from the Window at Le Gras.*” ~1952.

ARTIFACT 11 > Niepce, Joseph. “View from the Window at Le Gras.” 1826.

ARTIFACT 12 > Niepce, Joseph. “View from the Window at Le Gras.” 1826.

ARTIFACT 13 > Breaking down Joseph Niepce’s “View from the Window at Le Gras” to highlight the layers in the photograph that provide depth to the image.

ARTIFACT 14 > Leading lines found in Joseph Niepce’s “View from the Window at Le Gras.”

7) Louis-Jacques-Mande Daguerre, A Parisian Boulevard, 1839. (Slide 4)

Links of Interest…

Easby, Rebecca Jeffrey. “Louis-Jacques-Mandé Daguerre, Paris Boulevard or View of the Boulevard du Temple.” Smarthistory, 09 Aug 2015.

8) Louis-Jacques-Mande Daguerre, Still Life (Interior of a Cabinet of Curiosities), 1837. (Slide 5)

Links of Interest…

Belden-Adams, Kris. Louis-Jacques-Mande Daguerre, The Artist’s Studio / Still Life with Plaster Casts. Kahn Academy.

9) Olaus Wormius, Museum Wormianum, 1665. (Slide 6)

10) Johann Georg Heinz, Cabinet of Curiosities, 1660s. (Slide 6)

11) Photographer Unknown, Portrait of Daguerre, 1844. (Slide 7)

12) First commercially-manufactured camera- the Giroux Daguerreotype Camera, 1839. (Slide 7)

13) Hippolyte Bayard, Self-Portrait as a Drowned Man, 1840. (Slide 8)

14) Henry Wallis, Chatterton, 1856. (Slide 8)

15) John Herschel, William Herschel’s Telescope Seen Through the Window at Slough, 1839. (Slide 9)

16) John Herschel, An Experimental Cyanotype of an Engraving of a Lady with a Harp, 1842. (Slide 9)

17) William Fox Talbot, The Latticed Window at Leacock Abbey, 1835. (Slide 10)