Magic Lantern Slides, 1870-1900
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Magic lanterns use a concave mirror and light source to project images on glass slides with painted or photographic scenes. Developed in the 17th century, magic lanterns predate slide projectors and motion pictures. In the hands of magicians, they became "lanterns of fright," projecting wondrous images and apparitions. Slide themes ranged widely: exotic travel, folklore, advertising, history, science, and art.
Magic lanterns use a concave mirror and light source to project images on glass slides with painted or photographic scenes. Developed in the 17th century, magic lanterns predate slide projectors and motion pictures. In the hands of magicians, they became "lanterns of fright," projecting wondrous images and apparitions. Slide themes ranged widely: exotic travel, folklore, advertising, history, science, and art.
Artifact
Lantern slide
Date Made
1870-1900
Keywords
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
39.82.2
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Glass (Material)
Iron alloy
Paper (Fiber product)
Wood (Plant material)
Dimensions
Height: 4.25 in
Width: 9.5 in
Length: 9.75 in
Inscriptions
instruction sheet: Directions for Using the Magic Lantern [ . . . ]