Animal Magnetism
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Animal Magnetism
Satire on the gullibility of the public - a monkey mesmerises the audience while his assistant picks their pockets
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 577781
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10018133
1830 Altered Assistant Audience Hypnosis Magnetism Monkey Picks Pockets Satire Gullibility Paranormal
EDITORS COMMENTS
An Animal Magnetism: A Satirical Take on Human Gullibility in the 1830s This intriguing photograph, titled "Animal Magnetism," from Mary Evans Picture Library, offers a captivating glimpse into the past, showcasing a mesmerizing act that once fascinated audiences during the early 19th century. The image, circa 1830, presents a monkey, dressed in a velvet jacket and holding a wand, mesmerizing an enthralled audience. In the background, an assistant, unnoticed by the mesmerized spectators, casually picks pockets. This photograph, an altered historical record, is a satirical commentary on the public's gullibility during this era. The concept of animal magnetism, a form of hypnosis, was popularized in Europe during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Practitioners, often referred to as mesmerists, claimed to possess the power to heal and influence the minds of their subjects. The public, intrigued by these claims, flocked to witness these extraordinary displays. This photograph plays on the public's fascination with the paranormal and their willingness to believe in the extraordinary. The monkey, a common trickster figure in popular culture, is used to highlight the absurdity of the situation. While the audience is completely mesmerized by the monkey's performance, they remain oblivious to the assistant's nefarious activities. This satirical image serves as a reminder of the human tendency to believe in the unbelievable and the importance of maintaining a healthy skepticism. The photograph, though a work of art, also offers a fascinating glimpse into the historical context of the time, providing valuable insights into the cultural beliefs and societal norms of the 1830s.
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