Mechanical Lantern Slide, the Solar System, 1860-1900

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

1860-1900

Creators

Unknown

 On Exhibit

By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center

Object ID

2014.0.17.210

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

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

Technique

Hand-painted

Dimensions

Height: 5.125 in

Width: 8.75 in

Length: .5 in

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