Raree Show Collection

The Raree-show ('t Fraay Curieus), 1718. Creator: Willem van Mieris
The Raree-show ('t Fraay Curieus), 1718. In 17th and 18th century Europe, raree shows (also known as peep shows or peep boxes) were a popular form of entertainment provided by wandering showmen

Old Harry, With his Raree Show (engraving)
821254 Old Harry, With his Raree Show (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Old Harry, With his Raree Show)

Laterna Magica, 1786-1788. Creator: Abildgaard, Nicolai Abraham (1743-1809)
Laterna Magica, 1786-1788. Found in the collection of Statens Museum for Kunst, Copenhagen

Magic lantern, c. 1790. Creator: Anonymous master
Magic lantern, c. 1790. Private Collection

Peep Show Image, ca 1770. Creator: Anonymous
Peep Show Image, ca 1770. Private Collection

Magic lantern showing Death (from Ars Magna Lucis), 1671. Creator: Kircher, Athanasius (1602-1680)
Magic lantern showing Death (from Ars Magna Lucis), 1671. Private Collection

Woman with a raree show, Cries of London, 1760. Artist: Paul Sandby
Woman with a raree show, 1760. Spectators and a dog in front of a street show. One of the spectators is on crutches carrying a pile of boxes on which are listed six of the street cries from

Man, woman and children in the mountains of Savoy, ca 1797. Private Collection

The Peepshow Man. Private Collection

Raree show at Lin-sin-choo, China, c1843. Artist: G Paterson
Raree show at Lin-sin-choo, China, c1843

Billys Raree-Show or John Bull en lighten d, [England], engraving 1797, Pitt, as a peep-show man, stands by his box, which is supported on trestles

The Raree-show, at Fraay Curieus, Willem van Mieris, 1718

Billys Raree-show Or John Bull En Lighten d, [england], Engraving 1797, Pitt, As A Peep-show Man, Stands By His Box, Which Is Supported On Trestles

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Step right up and behold the wonders of the raree show. From Old Harry with his Raree Show to the captivating Laterna Magica, these engravings take us back to a time when magic lanterns and peep shows mesmerized audiences. The anonymous master behind the 1790 Magic Lantern transports us into a world of enchantment, while Kircher's haunting depiction of Death reminds us of the power these devices held. In Paul Sandby's Cries of London, we catch a glimpse of a woman with her own raree show, adding an intriguing twist to this form of entertainment. As we travel through time, we find ourselves in the mountains of Savoy alongside men, women, and children captivated by their own raree show experience. The Peepshow Man takes center stage as he unveils his magical display to eager onlookers. Even in far-off places like Lin-sin-choo in China, G Paterson captures the essence of a raree show performance that transcends borders. The artistry displayed in these images is truly remarkable - from Billy's Raree-Show engraving showcasing John Bull enlightened to Willem van Mieris' detailed portrayal at Fraay Curieus. These glimpses into history remind us that throughout centuries people have been drawn to the allure and mystery offered by raree shows. So step closer and immerse yourself in this visual feast for your senses - where imagination meets reality within each frame. Discover why generations past were enchanted by these spectacles; let yourself be transported back in time through these fascinating depictions.