Set of Two Lantern Slides Titled "Mercy's Dream," circa 1885

01

Artifact Overview

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 Details

Artifact

Lantern slide

Date Made

circa 1885

Creator Notes

The set of lantern slides based upon the painting "Mercy's Dream" by Daniel Huntington.

Location

By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center

Object ID

2014.0.17.186

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Glass (Material)
Paper (Fiber product)
Wood (Plant material)

Color

Multicolored

Dimensions

Height: 4.625 in
Width: 0.5 in
Length: 8.5 in

Set of Two Lantern Slides Titled "Mercy's Dream," circa 1885