Praxinoscope Théâtre

AEO177313 Praxinoscope Theatre contained within a hinged wooden box, when opened box forms the base for theatres installation through: a wooden spindle screwed into the base, a spinning cylinder (inner area lined with mirrors) inserted into spindle and a candle holder with a paper shade on top inserted into cylinder. Theatre setup is completed with a thin sheet of wood inserted into base on an angle and the raising of the lid and the pulling down of the cut out window in the lid to form a cut out rectangular viewing slot. Theatre has 10 separate (animated) paper image strips for spinning cylinder (ORIGINALS) and 9 separate scenic cards for inserting in area below window opening; note 1 scenic image is permanently adhered to box lid.(REPRODUCTIONS)
*Note - candle shade is a reproduction produced by Francois Binetruy (French antique toy vendor)

The Praxinoscope Theatre won a Silver medal at the 1879 Paris Exposition, and a Bronze Medal at the Universal Exhibition in 1889.

TRANSLATION OF THE INSTRUCTIONS (FRENCH):
“Mounting/setting up the device
After removing the pieces as indicated by the thumbnail on the opposite side, place a subject on the black background in the praxinoscope, carefully fixing the ends against the bar. Place the decoration in the slide and the corresponding ground on the hinged board. One will obtain the most varied effects by using colour lithograph printed vignettes, landscapes, etc.

Lighting the device
Daytime: Simply place the device in front of/before a well lit window.
Evening: Place a candle in the candle holder, fix it on the support with the silver reflector and the lampshade (See the sticker opposite). Turn the reflector so that it projects a bright light, to screw it up on the surroundings/setting and on the subject black background.

NOTE: Occasionally clean the thin glass by removing it from the slides.”

From the Science Museum Collection Catalogue:
“Reynaud’s Praxinoscope Theatre, c.1879. Emile Reynauld, Paris. Box opening and errecting to carry mirror drum with twelve facets; black background picture bands fit around circumference. Image viewed through hole in upright lid, seen through glass plate in which is reflected interchangeable background and foreground scene; the glass set in theatre style proscenium. Instructions pasted on lower proscenium panel.

Praxinoscope theatre made by Charles-Emile Reynaud in France, 1879.

Reynaud’s 1877 Praxinoscope was similar to a zoetrope, with mirrors in place of viewing slits. As the wheel turned, the reflections of the pictures appeared stationary. This Praxinoscope theatre was a development of Reynaud’s earlier Praxinoscope. This version had a glass viewing screen which reflected one of a range of printed scenes placed below the viewing aperture on the inside of the lid. Looking through this aperture, the viewer sees the moving figure reflected on the mirror drum which appears to be superimposed on the printed scene.”