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The International Naval Festival at Cherbourg: illumination of the French ironclad Magenta, 1865. Creator: Unknown
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The International Naval Festival at Cherbourg: illumination of the French ironclad Magenta, 1865. Creator: Unknown
The International Naval Festival at Cherbourg: illumination of the French ironclad Magenta - from a sketch by our special artist, 1865. 'The illumination of the fleets...was a spectacle of singular beauty. It began about nine o'clock, at which time a very considerable crowd had assembled...The Magenta commenced the display by exhibiting two powerful electric lights, by the aid of which, though at the distance of about two miles, it was possible to read a newspaper. Occasionally the cone of light proceeding from each of these luminous points was made to sweep across the wide expanse of water, and light up with intense brilliancy and in rapid succession spots separated by considerable distances. At times also it was concentrated upon the sides of particular vessels, and immediately their hulls, masts, and spars were brought into luminous relief against the dark sky in the background. Very shortly after this light had ceased the illumination of the fleets commenced. As if by magic, the masts spars, rigging, and hull of a ship - all her contour, in fact - were traced out brightly in lines of vivid light, changing their colours from red to green, blue, and violet...The beautiful exhibition lasted about an hour'. From "Illustrated London News", 1865
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Media ID 38686595
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Cherbourg Manche Basse Normandie France Cultural Event Display Electric Electric Lighting Electricity Firework Firework Display Fireworks French Navy Illuminate Illuminated Illumination Illuminations Ironclad Lit Up Naval Naval Ship Royal Navy Show Warships Naval Warfare Warship
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EDITORS COMMENTS
**A Spectacular Display of Light and Steel: The International Naval Festival at Cherbourg, Illumination of the French Ironclad Magenta (1865)**
In this print, the French ironclad Magenta takes center stage as it illuminates the night sky during the 1865 International Naval Festival at Cherbourg. As dusk falls on September 18th, a mesmerizing display unfolds before a crowd of awestruck spectators. The Magenta's powerful electric lights cast an otherworldly glow across the water, allowing readers to peruse newspapers from two miles away.
As if conjured by magic, the ship's contours are suddenly revealed in vibrant lines of light - red, green, blue, and violet hues dancing across its hulls and masts. The brief but breathtaking exhibition lasts for about an hour, leaving onlookers enchanted by this fusion of technology and naval might. This rare glimpse into a pivotal moment in maritime history is a testament to the innovation and spectacle that defined the era's grandest events.
**Credit:** Heritage Images / Unknown (1865)
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