Archaeological Perspectives on the Impact of Magic Lantern Slides on Visual Modernity in Late Qing and Republican China

Authors

  • Yijia Guo Zhijiang college of zhejiang university of technology, 312030 Shaoxing, Zhejiang, PR China.
  • Yang Liu China Academy of Art, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, 310024, China.
  • Beibei Tang Zhijiang college of zhejiang university of technology, 312030 Shaoxing, Zhejiang, PR China.

Keywords:

Media Archaeology, Magic Lantern Slides, Visual Modernity, Qing Dynasty, Republican China, Cultural Medium, Historical Dissemination

Abstract

This paper examines the role of Magic Lantern Slides in shaping visual modernity during the late Qing and Republican China from an archaeological perspective. Initially, it reviews the theoretical framework of media archaeology and its application in studying historical media and cultural phenomena. The paper then provides a detailed analysis of the origin, dissemination pathways, and social impact of Magic Lantern Slides during these periods. By comparing the visual cultures of the late Qing and Republican eras, it is found that Magic Lantern Slides not only influenced the visual concepts of audiences in the Qing period through innovative visual forms but also further promoted the modernization of visual culture during the Republican era. The paper concludes by summarizing the unique contributions of Magic Lantern Slides as a significant cultural medium to visual modernity across different historical periods and proposes future research directions.

Published

2025-03-02

Issue

Section

Manuscript