Jean Schoenner Magic Lantern

Schoenner Company
Nuremberg, Germany
ca.  1880

Ex-collection Louis Daniel brodsky

This superb, all brass "magic lantern" is a child's optical toy that was designed and manufactured by Jean Schoenner's studio workshop in Nuremberg, Germany, and dates to about 1880. Rendered in solid brass, it projected whimsical images on glass slides, illuminated by a kerosene lantern.  This magic lantern is often referred to as “Atlas” because of the black patinated iron figure holding up the lens, like the mythical Atlas holding up the world.  It’s a truly delightful piece of late 19th century craftsmanship.  It was a gift from a friend, and I’ve owned it for decades.