Items Similar to Spectral Device No. 16
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 5
Edward BatemanSpectral Device No. 162014
2014
About the Item
At nearly the same time that photography was invented, the practice of Spiritualism was being born in the "burned-over district" of New York. Central to its belief was the practice of communication with discarnate human spirits. These two developments would intertwine in 1861, when William Howard Mumler produced the first spirit photograph.
Photography has always been used as a form of objective truth. Following the carnage of the American Civil War, people looked to spirit photographs as proof of the continued existence of their loved ones. This practice involved a human "medium" who would make contact with the dead. This process was unreliable and prone to fraud. Mumler himself, who photographed Mary Todd Lincoln with the ghost of the slain president, was brought to trial with none other than P. T. Barnum testifying against him. He was acquitted, but ceased to practice and died in poverty.
At the same time, others sought new technologies which, like the camera, could extend human senses and without human intervention conclusively reveal the existence of life beyond the grave. These individuals brought all the technologies of their day: magnetism, electricity and steam to bear on the challenge of revealing the existence of life beyond the grave.
The images presented here document some of these inventors and their creations used to manifest discarnate spirits. We may doubt the truthfulness of their claims, but one thing is certain: the camera does indeed let us see the dead again, not as ghostly manifestations, but as meaningful and precious documents of those that once lived.
- Creator:Edward Bateman (1962)
- Creation Year:2014
- Dimensions:Height: 16 in (40.64 cm)Width: 11 in (27.94 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Framing:Framing Options Available
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:Sante Fe, NM
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU13427035322
About the Seller
5.0
Vetted Seller
These experienced sellers undergo a comprehensive evaluation by our team of in-house experts.
Established in 1993
1stDibs seller since 2015
213 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 13 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Santa Fe, NM
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
More From This SellerView All
- Petrified Dove, Lake Natron 2010By Nick BrandtLocated in Sante Fe, NMThere is perhaps something more profoundly iconic, mythological even, about the animals of East Africa, as opposed to say, the Arctic or South America). And there is also something i...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Black and White Photography
MaterialsArchival Pigment
- Two Rangers with Tusks of Killed Elephant, Amboseli, 2011By Nick BrandtLocated in Sante Fe, NMThere is perhaps something more profoundly iconic, mythological even, about the animals of East Africa, as opposed to say, the Arctic or South America). And there is also something i...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Black and White Photography
MaterialsArchival Pigment
- Petrified Fish Eagle, Lake Natron, 2012By Nick BrandtLocated in Sante Fe, NMThere is perhaps something more profoundly iconic, mythological even, about the animals of East Africa, as opposed to say, the Arctic or South America). And there is also something i...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Black and White Photography
MaterialsArchival Pigment
- The director knocked twiceBy Jennifer GreenburgLocated in Sante Fe, NMJennifer Greenburg challenges social norms and the nature of vernacular photographs in her series Revising History. Interjecting herself in mid-century images from the 1940’s – 60’s,...Category
2010s Contemporary Black and White Photography
MaterialsArchival Pigment
- I was a vendor of drink but not loveBy Jennifer GreenburgLocated in Sante Fe, NMJennifer Greenburg challenges social norms and the nature of vernacular photographs in her series Revising History. Interjecting herself in mid-century images from the 1940’s – 60’s,...Category
2010s Contemporary Black and White Photography
MaterialsArchival Pigment
- I did not have a happy ValentineBy Jennifer GreenburgLocated in Sante Fe, NMJennifer Greenburg challenges social norms and the nature of vernacular photographs in her series Revising History. Interjecting herself in mid-century images from the 1940’s – 60’s,...Category
2010s Contemporary Black and White Photography
MaterialsArchival Pigment
You May Also Like
- Diana Vreeland at home, 550 Park Avenue, New York, 21 July 1979By Jonathan BeckerLocated in New York, NYDiana Vreeland at home, 550 Park Avenue, New York, 21 July 1979 Photographed by Jonathan Becker Contemporary 44" x 44.5" Archival Pigment Print Edition Nº 1 of 9 Certificate of Orig...Category
1970s Contemporary Portrait Photography
MaterialsArchival Pigment
- Ai Weiwei in his studio, Beijing, 12 May 2007By Jonathan BeckerLocated in New York, NYAi Weiwei in his studio, Beijing, 12 May 2007 X Photographed by Jonathan Becker Contemporary 44" x 44.5" Archival Pigment Print Edition Nº 1 of 9 Certificate of Origin Signed and ...Category
Early 2000s Contemporary Portrait Photography
MaterialsArchival Pigment
- Villa Cetinale, Siena Italy, May 2012By Jonathan BeckerLocated in New York, NYVilla Cetinale, Italy, May 2012 A moment at a storied property where centuries of history pile on Photographed by Jonathan Becker Contemporary 44" x 4...Category
2010s Contemporary Black and White Photography
MaterialsArchival Pigment
- David Bowie, Damien Hirst, & Julian Schnabel, New York, 3 May 1996By Jonathan BeckerLocated in New York, NYDavid Bowie, Damien Hirst, and Julian Schnabel at Hirst's Opening, Gagosian Gallery, New York, 3 May 1996 X Photographed by Jonathan Becker Contemporary 44" x 44.5" Archival Pigmen...Category
1990s Contemporary Portrait Photography
MaterialsArchival Pigment
- Saturday Night Live in Elaine's Kitchen, 1976By Jonathan BeckerLocated in New York, NYElaine's Kitchen - Saturday Night Live • Chevy Chase, Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi & Lorne Michaels, New York, January 1976 Photographed by Jonathan ...Category
1970s Contemporary Portrait Photography
MaterialsArchival Pigment
- 'Into The Beyond'. Wild nature mountain panorama sky snow forest landscape whiteBy Sophia MilliganLocated in Penzance, GB'Into the Beyond' Limited edition archival photograph. Unframed, hand signed and numbered _________________ Painted pools of light dance across the richly layered mountainscape of t...Category
2010s Contemporary Landscape Photography
MaterialsArchival Paper, Archival Ink, Giclée, Archival Pigment
Featured in Design ValuesView All
- Modern Fine 18 Karat Yellow Gold Rectangular Link BraceletLocated in Poitiers, FRBracelet in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. This fine pre-owned yellow gold bracelet features interlocking rectangular links. The clasp is a spring ring. Length : 18,5 cm ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Modern Bracelets
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- TIFFANY & Co. Platinum .12ct Solitaire Diamond Pendant NecklaceBy Tiffany & Co.Located in Los Angeles, CATIFFANY & Co. Platinum .12ct Solitaire Diamond Pendant Necklace Metal: Platinum Chain: 16" Pendant: 3.25mm wide Diamond: round brilliant diamond, carat total weight .12 Hallmark: "©...Category
2010s American Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Platinum
- GIA Certified Peter Suchy Diamond Halo Rose Gold Engagement RingBy Peter SuchyLocated in Stamford, CTPeter Suchy Vintage Inspired 14k rose gold halo Diamond engagement ring. GIA certified .51ct center Diamond F, SI1, surrounded by 0.25ct of F, VS full cut Diamonds. 1 round brillian...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
MaterialsDiamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Lapis Lazuli Bow Yellow Gold Pendant NecklaceBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Holland, PA18k Yellow Gold Diamond Lapis Lazuli Bow Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 20 diamond VVS1 clarity, G color total weight .10ct Details: Necklace Length: 15.5'' Pendant: 15mm x...Category
20th Century French Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
- Cartier Love Earring Yellow Gold 12mm SingleBy CartierLocated in Aventura, FLCartier LOVE single earring, yellow gold 750/1000. Diameter 12 mm. Sold individually. Details: Brand: Cartier Style: Love Earring Material: Yellow Gold (750/1000) Diameter: 12mm The...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Hoop Earrings
MaterialsYellow Gold
