Wood framed Magic Lantern moonlit country scene. From E.E. Bausch & Son, Rochester N.Y. The Magic Lantern was an early form of still and moving picture projection that was popular from the 1700's through the mid 1900's. Pictures were etched or painted on glass and encased in a wooden frame. Using indirect lights and mirrors the image from the slide is projected to a wall or screen. By quickly changing slides mechanically the illusion of moving pictures is created.