La linterna mágica: de la invención a la decadencia (siglos XVII-XX)

Abstract

The magic lantern was an audiovisual medium based on the projection of images and the synchronic use of sounds that gained significant cultural transcendence between the 17^th and 20^th centuries. Its history began with the development of 'representative magic', that is, with the 18^th century application of a series of physical principles that allowed images to be projected. In the following century, the magic lantern emerged as a device that became consolidated and institutionalised as a means of communication in the first three quarters of the 19th century. After its industrialisation and commercialisation in the last quarter of that century, it fell into decline during the first decades of the 20^th century.