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Cartoon poking fun at the craze for seances
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Cartoon poking fun at the craze for seances
2602591 Cartoon poking fun at the craze for seances; (add.info.: John Leech cartoon from 'Punch', London, 1853, poking fun at the craze for seances and table-turning when the medium Daniel Douglas Home was practicing London.); Universal History Archive/UIG
Media ID 38152830
© Universal History Archive/UIG / Bridgeman Images
Fraud Occult Punch Scam Seance Spiritualism
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This satirical cartoon from 1853 by John Leech for ''Punch'' magazine is a scathing critique of the craze for seances and table-turning that swept through London during the time when medium Daniel Douglas Home was practicing. The cartoon pokes fun at the absurdity of spiritualism and the gullibility of those who believed in it, portraying a comical scene where a group of people are gathered around a table, eagerly awaiting communication with the dead.
The exaggerated expressions on their faces and the chaotic energy in the room perfectly capture the frenzied atmosphere of these seances, which were often filled with theatrics and deception. Leech's sharp wit shines through as he exposes the fraud and scam behind these supposed supernatural phenomena.
Despite being created over 150 years ago, this cartoon remains relevant today as a reminder to approach claims of paranormal activity with skepticism and critical thinking. It serves as a humorous yet pointed commentary on human nature's tendency to seek out answers beyond what can be explained rationally.
This print is not just a piece of historical satire but also an enduring reflection on our fascination with the occult and our susceptibility to manipulation by those who claim to have special powers.
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