Replica of a classic camera obscura handcrafted in wood with decorative wood inlay, size 6 1/4 in. wide by 5 in. high x 12 in. deep (closed) and approx. 17 in. deep (open). Underside signed, "R.W. Lisle, 1988." The viewing glass measures 4 5/8 x 5 in.

Inspired by the classic camera obscura of the late 1830s, which was a device equipped with a simple lens, an angled mirror and a focusing screen, and was used in early photomechanical experimentation. An image was projected to be traced or, in the case of photographic experiments, recorded on chemically treated paper or metal.