Telephonoscope - A drawing of a group of people sitting in front of a tv

Early television/videophone concept, a forecast (almanac) for 1879, posted in the December 9th, 1878 issue of Punch.

Illustration description

Punch Magazine cartoon print: Edison's Telephonoscope (transmits light as well as sound). (Every evening, before going to bed, Pater- and Materfamilias set up an electric camera-obscura over their bedroom mantel-piece, and gladden their eyes with the sight of their children at the Antipodes, and converse gaily with them through the wire.).

Paterfamilias (in Wilton Place): 'Beatrice, come closer, I want to whisper.'

Beatrice (from Ceylon): 'Yes, Papa dear.'

Paterfamilias: 'Who is that charming young lady playing on Charlie's side?'

Beatrice: 'She's just come over from England, Papa. I'll introduce you to her as soon as the game's over?'

George du Maurier's cartoon of 'an electric camera-obscura' is often cited as an early prediction of television and also anticipated the videophone, in wide screen formats and flat screens. The screen is approximately 2 metres wide and appears to have an aspect ratio of 2.7:1, the same as Ultra Panavision.

Artist: George Du Maurier, Published: Almanack for 1879

retro futurism 1878 cartoons albert robida future in art history of videotelephony literary works by george du maurier punch magazine cartoons punch 1878 telephony television technology videophones whispering united kingdom

09/12/1878

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Public Domain