Arts & Culture
The Role of the Camera Obscura in the Development of Dutch Realist Painting
Quick fact
The camera obscura was known since ancient times, but by the 1600s, portable versions with lenses were available, and some art historians argue that Johannes Vermeer likely used one to create his luminous interiors.
Why this is interesting
Imagine being able to project the exact scene in front of you onto a canvas, capturing every detail and shadow with perfect perspective. Did 17th-century Dutch painters use a primitive camera to achieve their astonishing realism?