Daguerre's Diorama, Regents Park, London, 1829, by Tho H Shepard
The Diorama was a popular entertainment that originated in Paris in 1822. An alternative to the also popular "Panorama" (panoramic painting), the Diorama was a theatrical experience viewed by an audience in a highly specialized theatre. As many as 350 patrons would file in to view a landscape painting that would change its appearance both subtly and dramatically. Most would stand, though limited seating was provided. The show lasted 10 to 15 minutes, after which time the entire audience (on a massive turntable) would rotate to view a second painting. Later models of the Diorama theater even held a third painting. Daguerre opened a second Diorama in Regent's Park in London in 1823, a year after the debut of his Paris original. The building which exhibited the diorama, was designed by Augustus Charles Pugin, father of the notable English architect and designer Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin. The show was a popular sensation, and spawned immediate imitations
Size: 2803px × 2105px
Location: London, England
Photo credit: © Archive Farms. Inc / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: 19th, archival, building, cavalry, century, color, engraving, entertainment, historic, historical, horsemen, phtl, popular, spectacle, theatre, theatrical
