Pied Piper Colored Slides

5C From Walt Disney’s Studios. Glass Colored Slides. Mid 1900s

Notes

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 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.

The Pied Piper (1933) is an animated short from Disney’s Silly Symphonies series. In this colorful rendition of the classic German legend, the Pied Piper is portrayed as a charismatic, magical figure who uses his flute to charm the rats away from the town of Hamelin. When the townspeople fail to pay him for his service, he uses the same magic to lead the children of the town away. The animation is vibrant and lively, showcasing Disney’s skill in creating detailed, expressive characters and engaging visual storytelling, while also incorporating music and humor in the classic Silly Symphoniesstyle.

Description

Twenty-four colored slides in four glass slides with red seals around the edges. Each slide is 1 1/2in x 5 1/4in painted in vibrant colors. Original box missing.