Lantern 'Tour Eiffel'

1889

Media Archaeology, 35 cm.
Materials: iron

Collection: Collection M HKA, Antwerp (Inv. no. RV1_001).

The image vibrates. In the nineteenth century, thinking on optical phenomena was situated where science and entertainment meet, a fascinating realm which one can sense once again in today’s electronic culture. The perfect symbol of this enchanting domain is the magic lantern, in this instance linked to the idea of industrial progress in the form of the Eiffel Tower; launched by Aubert on the occasion of the World Exhibition in Paris in 1889. As in many toy lanterns, the light source is a small oil lamp. It is painted red to reflect the way the actual Eiffel Tower was lit at that time.

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