Magic lantern

"The magical lantern is a device made by a chassis with chimney that lodges an illuminated spotlight and an optical system that allows the projection of painted images or printed in glass, on a white screen placed in a dark hall.

Its inventor was the Dutch scientist and astronomer Christian Huygens in the middle of the XVII century. At the beginning they were limited to scientist circles, researchers and nobles, since the first third of the XVIII century magical lamps projections gained ground through public shows that spread them until arrived to working classes.

Since the XIX century its thematic was so wide that it was also used for educational purposes or for commercial or ideological advertising. At the second half of the XIX century the price reduction, caused by the industrialization in the manufacturing process, let its introduction in the domestic world.

The magical lantern of the Romantic museum of Sitges is an example of the lasts. As the end of the XIX century after 250 years fascinating the spectators it was replaces by the cinematographer."