The Camera Obscura was a forerunner of the modern camera. Light was channeled through a lens to a dark space and projected the outside world upside down and backwards onto the back wall inside. Developed as a scientific instrument, the camera obscura found a home with aritsts who sought ot realistically render nature while darwing outdoors. The device helped artists capture eye level view with accurate perspectives (from nga.gov). Learn the history and processes of photography at Through the Len