Wednesday 25 March, 19:00

Histoire et Cité Festival: Illusionists and Photography

This demonstration-lecture examines the emergence of photography in the first half of the 19th century and its gradual democratization from mid-century, coinciding with the golden age of European illusionism in salons and on theatre stages. It explores how illusionists appropriated photographic processes as a means of social recognition, advertising and artistic experimentation, employing images to extend magical narratives and stagecraft. The session reveals links between technological change and evolving performance aesthetics.

In French.

Rue du Général-Dufour 24,
1204 Genève
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Photo Credit: Stereo Lefort, 1850, Pierre Taillefer

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