Magic lantern slide showing Egyptian landscape

A hand-painted magic lantern slide depicting an Egyptian landscape, painted by an unknown artist c. 1860 and shown at the Royal Polytechnic Institution, London. The slide shows men on camels riding through ancient ruins.

The Polytechnic Institution (later the Royal Polytechnic Institution) was opened in August 1838 to provide the public with (in the words of its prospectus of 1837) 'a practical knowledge of the various arts and branches of science connected with Manufactures, Mining Operations, and Rural Economy'.

It provided practical demonstrations and showcased new technologies to the public. Part of this work included spectacular magic lantern shows employing as many as six huge lanterns projecting large, hand-painted slides eight inches (20.3 cm) by five inches (12.7 cm).