Ernst Plank Company Magic Lantern, 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

Magic lantern

Date Made

1870-1900

Creators

Ernst Plank Company 

Place of Creation

Germany, Nuremberg 

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

56.41.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Copper alloy
Glass (Material)
Iron alloy
Tin (Metal)
Wood (Plant Material)

Dimensions

Height: 10 in  (case)

Width: 6 in  (case)

Length: 11 in  (case)

Inscriptions

label: TRADE MARK / E.P. / FABRIK MARKE / LANTERNA MAGICA / MAGIC LANTERN / LANTERNE MAGIQUE / Made in Germany

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