Being an audience member at Gaspard Robertson’s Fantasmagorie show in 1797 would have been a surreal and terrifying experience. The eerie atmosphere, the flickering light of the magic lantern, and the ghostly images seemingly floating and moving around the room would have made it feel as though the supernatural had come to life. Since the late 18th century was still deeply influenced by superstition and a fascination with the afterlife, I probably would have been amazed and genuinely frightened. The illusions would have felt almost real, especially with smoke, mirrors, and sound effects to heighten the sense of horror.
