Similar
Related
Lantern Slide, Moon, ca. 1780 (CH 18344159)
Summary
Magic lantern slide, optical toy. On black field, yellow disk at center, surrounded by pink, green, and black circles alternating with circles of pierced stars and dots. Radiating toward circumference, thirty-two pierced rays alternating with thirty-two white rays set with triangular green rays pierced in serpentine forms.
Optical toys form a group of devices with some entertainment value combined with a scientific, optical nature. Many of these were also known as "philosophical toys" when they were developed in the 19th century. People must have experimented with optical phenomena since prehistoric times and played with objects that influenced the experience of light, color and shadow. In the 16th century some experimental optical entertainment - for instance camera obscura demonstrations - were part of the cabinets of curiosities that emerged at royal courts. Since the 17th century optical tabletop instruments such as the compound microscope and telescope were used for parlour entertainment in richer households .
Tags
Date
Source
Copyright info
