Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves Magic Lantern Slides

5B Albemarle Series Glass Hand-Painted Magic Lantern Slides. Mid to late 1800s. 

Notes

Hand-painted magic lantern slides were an early form of visual entertainment popular from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s. These slides were created for use with a magic lantern, an early projector that illuminated images on a glass slide and projected them onto a screen or wall. Artists painted the images directly onto glass plates using transparent or semi-transparent paints, allowing the light to pass through the artwork when projected. The slides were typically small, around 3.5 x 4.5 inches, and the fine details were carefully painted by hand, often with layers of color to achieve the desired effect.

The process of creating these slides involved painting intricate scenes, portraits, or illustrations on the glass surface. Some slides were entirely painted, while others combined photographic images with hand-painted details for a more colorful result. Once completed, the slides were mounted in a frame to fit into a magic lantern, which was typically powered by a candle or oil lamp, later replaced by gas or electric lights. The projector would shine light through the slide, and a lens would enlarge and project the image onto a screen or wall.

Hand-painted magic lantern slides were used for both educational and entertainment purposes. They served as visual aids in classrooms and lectures, depicting scientific, historical, or geographical subjects. They were also used for public performances, where projected images were accompanied by narration or music, offering a form of storytelling or artistic display. While they were eventually overtaken by photographic slides and cinema, hand-painted lantern slides remain an important part of visual history, showcasing a unique blend of artistry and early technological innovation.

Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves is a famous tale from One Thousand and One Nights. The story centers on Ali Baba, a poor woodcutter who accidentally overhears a group of forty thieves revealing the secret location of their treasure cave, which can be opened by saying the magic words "Open Sesame." Ali Baba uses this knowledge to steal some of the treasure. His greedy brother, Cassim, tries to take more but is caught and killed by the thieves. With the help of his clever servant girl, Morgiana, Ali Baba outwits the thieves when they attempt to get revenge. Ultimately, Ali Baba’s wisdom and Morgiana’s bravery lead to the defeat of the thieves, and he lives a prosperous life.

Description

Twelve hand-painted slides with cloth seal around the edges. Each slide is a 3.25 in x 3.25 in square painted in vibrant colors. Slides one, two, and four all have several fractures through it though the images are still clear. Slide five has a small fracture in the lower left corner. Cloth tape around the edges of slides six, nine, and eleven have a small section less than an inch missing or torn. In original vintage box repaired with tape. Hand written label with the title on the top of the box. Red stain on the lower section.

Slides are meant to be used with a magic lantern projector as one lectures along with the images but we have taken the liberty to set our own separate set in a stained glass door here in the store to allow the slides to showcase prominently. This might be an idea if you are interested in a suggestion on how to feature these in your home.