Hemisferium praxinoscope, Circa 1989-2010

Item — mu: 1512

Identifier: MU-1512

Abstract

Invented by Charles-Émile Reynaud in 1877, the praxinoscope was an animation device, the successor to the zoetrope. It used a strip of pictures placed around the inner surface of a spinning cylinder. An inner circle of mirrors was placed so that the reflections of the pictures appeared more or less stationary in position as the wheel turned. The viewer looking in the mirrors would thus see a rapid succession of images, producing the illusion of motion.

Dates

Circa 1989-2010

Creator

From the Collection: Loewentheil, Stephan (Collector, Person)
From the Collection: Stephan Loewentheil History of Photography Collection (Organization)

Language of Materials

Collection material in English

Extent

40.1 cubic feet.

Additional Description

Physical Description

This modern praxinoscope is decorated on the top and outside with a circus theme and the designation "hemisferium." The pictures on the strips to be viewed include dancing figures, tumblers, and a toy soldier on a rocking horse.