283: Spirit Paintings. F.G. Thayer, ca. 1920

Spirit Paintings. Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer & Co., ca. 1920. Stage-size frame and stand into which a blank canvas is placed. A spectator names a celebrity, whose portrait gradually materializes on the blank canvas inside the frame. The canvas is removed and the "spirit painting" is displayed. Breaks apart for packing and travels in its own contemporary theatrical trunk. Shows light wear from use, but generally good condition. Scarce. This Spirit Painting apparatus was used on Lyceum and Chautauqua tours by Herman Homar, "The Wizard of the West.