The World in Perspective: Views and Optical Illusions in the Age of Enlightenment

Exhibition organized by the Montpellier University Law Library in collaboration with the Château de Flaugergues

Dates:September 20–October 31, 2014
Hours:
Location:Richter University Library

To mark European Heritage Days, the Montpellier Interuniversity Library, in partnership with the University of Montpellier 1 andthe Château de Flaugergues, organized a unique exhibition of^18th-centuryoptical views. The project originated with the rediscovery of eighty-six optical views in the collections ofthe University Library of Law, Economics, and Management, followed by their restoration and digitization. The Château de Flaugergues, which houses a comparable collection and a device for viewing these images—a“zograscope”—is hosting the exhibition in the setting of a Montpellier aristocratic mansion during the European Heritage Days. Finally, on September 20 and 21, the association “Les machines du Fantasmagore” will host fun, interactive activities centered around the collections.

Optics, a form of home entertainment…

The study of new optical phenomena makes the infinitely small accessible through the microscope and the infinitely large through the telescope. These instruments were a source of great delight to high society, which was passionate about the sciences. Another device was making its way into aristocratic and bourgeois homes: the “optical viewer.” This device, consisting of a large lens, allowed users to view hand-colored engravings with strong perspective—known as “optical views.” Magnified by the lens, the subject of the engraving—often a landscape—gave the viewer a sense of depth.

… but also a popular show…

In the streets, at fairs, and in village squares, street vendors set up traveling shows based on viewing images through a lens. Inside the magic lantern, passersby marvel at the lighting effects that simulate the transition from day to night, fireworks, or a fire.

… a glimpse of the journey…

In addition to original^18th-centuryengravings, the exhibition highlights the two worlds in which they were celebrated: the aristocratic or bourgeois salon and the fair where the peddler set up his optical box. Through these historic images, you’ll see the world as it was imagined during the Age of Enlightenment. While the fashion for the Grand Tour encouraged wealthy young people to embark on an educational journey across Europe, the view showman was virtually the only one who allowed those of more modest means to take an imaginary journey.

… and simulation of reality.

Finally, you’ll discover other popular optical curiosities of the time: the magic lantern, anamorphosis, and the camera obscura, right up to those that would become all the rage in^{the 19th century}—the stereoscope and the polyorama.

Watch both videos:

The “Les machines du fantasmagore” Association

Invited to participate in the 2014 European Heritage Days, the association“Les machines du fantasmagore”—which specializes in pre-cinema entertainment—collects original artifacts and reconstructs period machines to help you relive the simple and ingenious magic of optical effects during the Age of Enlightenment.

Gathered around a street-side peep show, listening to the peddler’s sales pitch, one could watch the sun set over Hagia Sophia and the lights come on over Rome’s triumphal bridge.

Visitors also had the opportunity to capture their profiles usingthe silhouette photo booth, a device inspired by Lavater’s machine, which—before the advent of photography—was used to produce highly accurate portraits.