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Polyorama Panoptique, c1851
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Polyorama Panoptique, c1851
Polyorama Panoptique, c1851. Box with expanding bellows, a lens, a shutter and a set of slides that can be inserted. By altering the aperture of the shutter the image on the slide changes from day into night
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 15168484
© London Metropolitan Archives (City of London) / Heritage-Images
Guildhall Library Art Gallery Lens Magic Lantern Optics Pictures Aperture Peepshow
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the remarkable Polyorama Panoptique, a technological marvel from the 19th century. Created around 1851, this wooden box with expanding bellows, a lens, and a shutter holds within it an enchanting set of slides that can be inserted to transport viewers through various scenes. What makes this device truly extraordinary is its ability to alter the aperture of the shutter, transforming the image on the slide from day into night. The anonymous artist behind this masterpiece ingeniously combined artistry and optics to create a mesmerizing visual experience. The carefully crafted slides depict vibrant colors and intricate details that bring each scene to life. With just a simple adjustment of the aperture, viewers are transported from sunlit landscapes bathed in warm hues to moonlit nights illuminated by soft blues and silvery tones. The Guildhall Library and Art Gallery proudly houses this exquisite piece of technology alongside other historical artifacts. It serves as a testament to human ingenuity during an era when advancements in science and art were intertwined. As we gaze upon this photo print, we are reminded of how far technology has come since then while appreciating the beauty found in simplicity. This Polyorama Panoptique stands as both an artistic treasure and a symbol of our fascination with capturing different times of day through innovative means - an enduring testament to humanity's timeless pursuit of creativity and expression.
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