Virtual Exhibitions > Magic Lanterns

China figurine: Itinerant magic lantern showman

Meissen, Germany, no date.
Size: 70mm x 80mm x 150mm
EXEBD 68095

This representation of an early nineteenth-century travelling showman derives from a number of earlier images found in contemporary prints. The showman is depicted carrying his lantern and box of slides on his back, while turning the handle of his hurdy-gurdy to announce the arrival of his show. The travelling show was not confined to the magic lantern; wandering showpeople also made their livings with peepshows, shadow shows and 'raree shows' in the eighteenth and early nineteenth century across much of Europe. There is no clear explanation for the reference to the kingdom of Savoy, a territory now divided between Switzerland, France and Italy, in the contemporary description of this type of showman as a 'Savoyard'.

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Metal figurines: Itinerant lanternist and musician

Maker unknown, 20th Century
Size: 125mm x 90mm x 260mm (lanternist); 100mm x 90mm x 260mm (musician)
EXEBD 68101; EXEBD 68102

This highly detailed pair of cast metal figurines represent another conventional view of an early 19th-century 'Savoyard' and his wife. He carries the lantern and slide box on his back, a performing monkey on one arm and a drum under the other; the musician carries a hurdy-gurdy and a trumpet. The end of the lanternist's hollow drum is hinged, suggesting intended use as a match-holder or similar utensil.

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