Magic Lantern Slides, 1870-1900

Summary

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

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 [ . . . ]

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