Myriorama is a word that can be tricky to spell, but it's pronounced "my-ree-uh-ram-uh." The word comes from Greek, where "myrio" means "countless" or "many" and "rama" means "view" or "picture." This word was used to describe a type of toy popular in the 19th century that featured a set of cards with different landscapes on them. By arranging the cards in different orders, the user could create a neverending variety of landscapes, hence the name "myriorama."
A myriorama is an educational and recreational tool popularized in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It is composed of a set of rectangular cards, typically made of stiff paper or stiffened cloth, each of which depicts a different landscape or scene. When arranged in a specific sequence, the cards form a continuous panorama that can be unfolded and displayed in a linear fashion. Myrioramas often feature diverse landscapes, such as rivers, forests, mountains, and towns, with each card seamlessly connecting to the next through carefully designed edges.
The word "myriorama" is derived from Greek, with "myrio" meaning "countless" or "infinite," and "rama" meaning "view" or "picture." This reflects the versatility and endless possibilities offered by these imaginative sets. Myrioramas were primarily used for entertainment purposes, as users could be transported to various settings and create their own narratives or stories. They were also quite popular as a didactic tool, as they facilitated the teaching of geography and encouraged creativity and storytelling skills.
In addition to their practical applications, myrioramas were highly valued for their artistic representations. These complex panoramas were often hand-painted, showcasing the exquisite talents of skilled artists. Due to their delicate nature and the relative rarity of surviving examples, myrioramas have gained significant collectors' interest over the years, becoming sought-after items for enthusiasts of vintage educational materials and art lovers alike.
A picture consisting of movable pieces, and capable of forming an almost endless variety of scenes.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word Myriorama is derived from two Greek words: myrios meaning countless or infinite, and rama meaning view or scene. Thus, put together, Myriorama can be translated as a series of countless scenes or an infinite panorama.