Phantasmagoria

Phantasmagoria , also fantasmagorie, fantasmagoria) was a form of horror theatre which used one or more magic lanterns to project frightening images such as skeletons, demons, and ghosts onto walls, smoke, or semi-transparent screens, frequently using rear projection. Mobile or portable projectors were used, allowing the projected image to move and change size on the screen, and multiple projecting devices allowed for quick switching of different images. The shows started under the guise of actual seances in Germany in the late 18th century, and gained popularity through most of Europe throughout the 19th century.