FANTASMAGORIE Meaning and
Definition
-
Fantasmagorie is a noun that refers to a dazzling and constantly changing sequence of imaginary or fantastical images. It encompasses a variety of visual illusions or optical tricks that are presented in rapid succession, creating a sense of wonder and awe. The term is often associated with early forms of animation and visual entertainment.
Originating from the French word "fantasmagorie," which combines "fantôme" (meaning ghost or phantom) and "imagorie" (conjuring or illusion), this concept gained popularity during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It was particularly prevalent in magic lantern shows and other early forms of projected visual media.
Fantasmagorie often utilized techniques such as dissolves, fades, and multiprojections to create a sense of displacement, transformation, or eerie effects. The images presented were usually ethereal or otherworldly, depicting supernatural creatures, ghosts, and other fantastical elements.
In modern usage, fantasmagorie can also refer to movies or artworks that evoke a dreamlike or surreal atmosphere. It encapsulates the notion of a constantly shifting and bewitching sequence of images that captivates and enchants the viewer. The term maintains its associations with visual illusions, imaginative storytelling, and a sense of the uncanny.
Etymology of FANTASMAGORIE
The word "fantasmagorie" is derived from two French words: "fantasme" and "gore".
The term "fantasme" comes from the Latin word "phantasma", which means an apparition or ghost. In French, "fantasme" refers to a phantasm or imaginary creation of the mind.
The word "gore" originally meant a triangular piece of land in French, but its meaning evolved to refer to something terrifying or gruesome. In the context of "fantasmagorie", it refers to the scary and dramatic elements associated with the projections used in early projection shows.
When combined, "fantasme" and "gore" form "fantasmagorie", which originally referred to a magical lantern show or primitive form of cinema involving slides or transparent moving pictures.
