The Lumière Brothers and Cinema - J Foiret and Ph Brochard Loic Derrien
The Lumière Brothers and Cinema: The Birth of a New Art Form
Introduction
In 1895, the Lumière brothers, Auguste and Louis, unveiled their revolutionary invention to the world: the cinematograph. This groundbreaking device combined a camera, a projector, and a printer, making it possible to capture, project, and reproduce moving images. The birth of cinema was a pivotal moment in human history, and the Lumière brothers played a crucial role in shaping this new art form.
The Early Years
Auguste and Louis Lumière were born in Besançon, France, in 1862 and 1864, respectively. Their father, Antoine, was a photographer and painter, and he instilled in his sons a love for the visual arts. The Lumière brothers experimented with photography from an early age, and they soon became proficient in the art of capturing still images.
The Invention of the Cinematograph
In the early 1890s, the Lumière brothers began experimenting with moving images. They were inspired by the work of earlier inventors, such as Eadweard Muybridge and Étienne-Jules Marey, who had developed devices that could capture sequential photographs. The Lumière brothers, however, were the first to create a practical system for capturing, projecting, and reproducing moving images.
The cinematograph was a complex device that consisted of a camera, a projector, and a printer. The camera used a roll of film to capture a series of still images, which were then projected onto a screen using the projector. The printer was used to create copies of the film, so that it could be distributed to other theaters.
The First Public Screening
On December 28, 1895, the Lumière brothers held the first public screening of their cinematograph at the Grand Café in Paris. The program consisted of ten short films, each about a minute long. The films were a sensation, and they quickly became a popular form of entertainment.
The Lumière Brothers' Legacy
The Lumière brothers' invention of the cinematograph had a profound impact on the world. Cinema quickly became a global phenomenon, and it has since become one of the most influential art forms of the modern era. The Lumière brothers are rightly considered the fathers of cinema, and their legacy continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike.
Why You Should Read This Book
The Lumière Brothers and Cinema is a fascinating and comprehensive account of the birth of cinema. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of film, photography, or the visual arts. It is also a great read for anyone who simply loves a good story about innovation and creativity.
Here are a few reasons why you should buy this book:
- It is the definitive account of the birth of cinema, written by two of the world's leading experts on the subject.
- It is packed with rare photographs and illustrations, many of which have never been published before.
- It is a beautifully written and engaging read, perfect for anyone interested in the history of film, photography, or the visual arts.