Magicians an Photography : Developing Illusions (1850 - 1900)

INTRODUCTION

Whether  conveying emotions, offering the prospect of travel or serving as an  educational tool, projected still or mov-ing images in the form of  movable-plate magic lanterns and dissolving views permeated magic shows  from the end of the enlightenment on, often forming the grand finale  of such perfor-mances until the invention of cinema entertainment in the  melt-ing pot that was the Théâtre Robert-Houdin under the manage-ment  of Georges Méliès. In the intervening period, the develop-ment of  photography as a distinct medium, and its gradual de-mocratisation,  coincided with the golden age of stage magic in Europe. Magicians  appropriated the new technique, which served not only as a means by  which they could increase their recogni-tion across society, but also as  an advertising medium and an artis-tic opportunity that enriched their  acts.