Camera Obscura Invented by Anson K Vermeer’s Camera, Circa 1920's

Description

Offered for your consideration is this “Vermeer’s Camera”, called such by its inventor, Anson Kent Cross (1862-1944).

“VERMEER’S CAMERA,” American, … more Offered for your consideration is this “Vermeer’s Camera”, called such by its inventor, Anson Kent Cross (1862-1944).

“VERMEER’S CAMERA,” American, c. 1920’s, issued by the “Anson K. Cross Art School", his curious optical instrument measures 5” x 8” x 8” (13 x 20 x 20 cm), made of soft mahogany with brass hinging and screws.

It basically consists of two cameras obscura with adjustable separation of viewing direction.

Each is a right angle viewer; but by using a clever sideways focusing mechanism, the ground
glasses remain always in the same plane, and the lenses do not move in-and-out.

Condition is fine and all original throughout, with minor wear.

The objective of Cross’s device (as explained on the remnants of the ORIGINAL included instruction sheet atop the instrument) is to present an image of the unfinished painting on one ground glass, and an image of the object or subject itself on the other, for instantaneous
comparison.

This method, according to Cross, resembles that attributed to Vermeer.

A very good example of “Vermeer’s Camera,” and quite rare.

Our instrument is marked “Patent Applied For” but a patent was granted on September 18, 1934.

We estimate this unit was built in Circa 1920’s.

Cross was a painter and educator who developed systems for the teaching of painting and drawing.

He worked from the 1880s until his death in 1944 to promote a series of “systems” and “vision-training aids” in instruction books and at art schools such as the Museum of Fine Arts School in Boston and his Anson K. Cross Art School.

His writings include harsh words against the “art teaching establishment” and the art supply companies for their lack of acceptance of his theories and methods.

A former student recently described him as an evangelist and the students as his disciples.

This device carries a mounted text panel on one side that explains its use.

The text can be seen in a photo below. It was used in the course in “Vision Training” at his Anson K. Cross Art School.

This school offered summer classes and home study courses from Boothbay Harbor, Maine in the 1930’s and 1940’s.

The instrument does not have the feel of mass production so appears to be hand made for the school.

The text on the side and several Cross publications mention the theory that Vermeer used a camera obscura in his painting, a theory expounded since the 19th century.

We feel this relic is 100% original from the era, with the possible exception of the brass lens slide knobs that look to be later but the vintage brass replacements are a larger more ergonomic original upgrade for easier handling.

The existing original minor scratches in the original patina can be greatly ameliorated by applying our natural balms of beeswax and dark natural carnauba elixers, if the buyer wishes.



As with all of our pieces, a signed and sealed "Certificate of Authenticity" is included with your purchase.

NOTE: Our selling prices are usually pre discounted
and intended to be at ‘Designer Net’
and ‘To The Trade’ price levels.
However, we ALWAYS welcome discussions and exploration
of your budgetary requirements
and how we MAY be able to help meet those cost targets
with additional discounts or courtesies.

~Like artifacts of an ancient civilization -
these rare legends
of early Motion Picture and related
production equipment technology -
have a secure and appreciating
place in history.~



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CinemaAntiques has dedicated workshops, warehouses and galleries in Dallas Texas USA where we prepare, display and sell our rare Motion Picture equipment antiques.

Our Cinema Antiques are perfect for display in residential, industrial and museum settings. Collectors and museums worldwide are some of our clients. Our antiques also offer a unique sculpture look that is one of a kind and awe inspiring.

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We have been active collectors and curators of vintage Motion Picture Equipment for over 50 years. During this time we have amassed a superb and rare ongoing collection of antique: movie cameras, Hollywood studio lights, film studio audio / microphones and other highly collectible artifacts of the Hollywood Film Production Industry.

We have been selling collectible Cinema Antiques since 1969 and are experts in the field. We have done certified cinema movie equipment appraisals for Banks, have served as Expert Witnesses in the legal system and have given our expert guidance to various museums.

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- B.A. (Diplomate, Cinema, City University of New York),
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