magic lantern

Probably invented between 1400 and 1650. Maybe older.
Attributed by researcher and curator Laurent Manonni to Christiaan Huygens in 1659.

By the end of the 17th century, magic lanterns were worldwide, carried by traveling showpeople and Jesuit missionaries.

First candle lit, or oil lamp lit. The argand lamps in the 1780s. Limelight in 1820s. Electric arc lamp in 1850s.

Hell shows were one of many popular programs.

See also Phantasmagoria.