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HISTORY OF PHOTOGRAPH AND CINEMA The "toy" called thaumatropio
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HISTORY OF PHOTOGRAPH AND CINEMA The "toy" called thaumatropio
6203004 HISTORY OF PHOTOGRAPH AND CINEMA The "toy" called thaumatropio; (add.info.: HISTORY OF PHOTOGRAPH AND CINEMA The "toy" called thaumatropio, described by British physicist Dr John Ayrton Paris (1785-24 December 1856), exploits the phenomenon of image persitence on the retina to marvel at the little ones, but also the greats of the early nineteenth century, completing "magically" the half-images found on the two sides of a cardboard disc. When the lanyards are swiftly rotated with their fingers, the two images appear to merge into one. In the figure at the top of the horse appears the acrobat, in the middle the wig covers the head of the bald, at the bottom the cage encloses the bird. United Kingdom, 1825); Fototeca Gilardi
Media ID 38176210
© Fototeca Gilardi / Bridgeman Images
Eyesight Illusion Kinetic Optical Effect Optical Illusion Optics Vision
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the fascinating history of photography and cinema with a glimpse into the past. The image showcases a "toy" known as thaumatropio, dating back to 1825 in the United Kingdom. This simple yet ingenious device, described by British physicist Dr. John Ayrton Paris, mesmerized both children and adults alike during the early nineteenth century.
The thaumatropio exploits the phenomenon of image persistence on the retina to create a magical optical illusion. By swiftly rotating lanyards attached to a cardboard disc, two half-images merge seamlessly into one cohesive picture. In this particular example, we see a horse transforming into an acrobat at the top, a wig covering a bald head in the middle, and a cage enclosing a bird at the bottom.
Through its clever use of movement and optics, this historic toy offers us a glimpse into how entertainment and visual effects were enjoyed centuries ago. It serves as a reminder of our enduring fascination with illusions and creativity in storytelling through images.
This print is not just an artifact from history; it's also an invitation to explore the origins of cinema and appreciate the ingenuity that paved the way for modern-day visual technologies.
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