Description

F. K. , possibly Friedrich KAISER (1815-1890), Illustrator.

Die Reise nach Afrika. Grosses Schauspiel in vielen Aufzügen
[Travel to Africa. Great Spectacle in Many Acts]

[Berlin: Adolph Sala, Luxus Papierfabrik, 1889 or shortly after].

Chromolithographed cyclorama, mounted with edges on two wooden rollers, inside a box 30,5 x 37,5 cm (12 x 14.7 inches) with a chromolithograph cover, which opens with a cover and underneath with two wings, displaying images beneath a printed curtain. The mechanism is driven by a small handle, which can be attached to the top of the rollers on the upper side of the box. When opened, the two wings with decoration on the inner side represent additional decoration and two separate pieces with images of coloured young men drumming, which can be put with their own supports on the side of the outer wings. Another decorative piece with an image of a lion between palm trees, surrounded by three figurines in cartouches, is added in the upper part. It keeps the front wing open. CONDITION REPORT: modern restorations to various parts with tiny loss of image, light water-stains to the box with a loss of image to the cover and to one of the side panels, last image of cyclorama with small loss of last image, where attached to the roller, damages to the handle, otherwise with a light storage wear and chips, but overall in good condition.

[Accompanied with an original pamphlet:]

Afrika-Reise. Cyklorama in 22 Bildern mit erläuterndem belehrenden Text für Jung und Alt
[Africa Trip. Cyklorama in 22 Pictures with Explanatory, Instructive Text for Young and Old]

8º, [8 pp.], bound with later string (slightly stained and dusty, restored tears in margins and around the spine).

 

The decorative box opens with a chromo-lithographed title cover and is followed by a theater-like scene, presenting the show. On the left side, the text lists the featured images, which are created in the contemporary style of adventure novels. The English translation reads:

1. Spanish port,
2. Boarding,
3. The Ship at Sea,
4. Approaching Storm,
5. Storm at Sea,
6. Rescue Trials,
7. A Wreck,
8. Port Said,
9. Cairo,
10. Caravanserai,
11. The Caravan in the Desert,
12. The Sirocco,
13. The Caravan in Distress,
14. Lion Attacking Giraffes,
15. The Desert,
16. Ostrich Hunting,
17. Sunset,
18. Twilight,
19. Night Camp,
20. Dawn,
21. Crocodile Hunting,
22. Arrival among the Muslims.

The scenes are depicted in an overly dramatic, at times violent and cruel atmosphere, showcasing Muslims as heroic figures. Upon arriving in Cairo after a terrifying boat journey that results in a shipwreck, the audience encounters wild hunts, harsh weather, and a series of violent deaths. Eventually, the narrative introduces the warm hospitality of a Muslim tribe, which is also praised in the accompanying pamphlet.

The cyclorama was created around 1890 as Germany showed interest in North Africa, particularly through Egypt for economic reasons.

The images are arranged in a long stripe and displayed in the center window, similar to scenes in later movie theaters, shown one after another by rotating the stripe around wooden rolls attached inside the box.

The illustrator, who only signed his initials FK and dated one image 1889, is possibly painter and illustrator Friedrich Kaiser (1815-1890), known for his dramatic depictions of heroic and historic scenes.

The first cyclorama, technically quite different from the present object, was invented by Irish painter Robert Barker in Edinburgh in 1787. It depicted a panoramic view from Calton Hill in central Edinburgh. This large painting was housed in a circular-shaped building, allowing spectators to immerse themselves in the experience of the scene. The concept quickly gained popularity across Europe and North America, leading to the construction of hundreds of cycloramas, mostly depicting famous battles.

The current cyclorama, designed like an educational toy for children, provided an overwhelming experience in people’s homes. Decades later, it was replaced by television sets. The current example includes a very rare original pamphlet with instructions and text, which was read alongside the images, enhancing the visual experience.

A Note on Rarity

There were at least three versions of this cyclorama, published with a German (Die Reise nach Afrika grosses Schauspiel in vielen Aufzügen), English (An expedition through Africa. A „Cyclorama“ in 22 pictures) and French title (Voyage en Afrique: Cyclorama en 22 Tableaux).

We could trace two institutional examples of the German version, housed by the Bibliotheque Nationale of France (Die Reise nach Afrika : grosses Schauspiel in vielen Aufzügen / F. K. | Gallica), and Berlin State Libtaty (OCLC 1447449384, 1236012401) probably both without the pamphlet. Sporadic examples can be found photographed on various Web Pages and appeared in auctions in the past years.

The only English version, that we could find on Worldcat is held at the Princeton University Library (OCLC 1340460946).

Examples with the accompanying pamphlet are exceedingly rare. We could trace one example, accompanied with a pamphlet, although partly reproduced in facsimile, offered by the trade in 2021.

References: Klodt, Katalog der Deutschen Lehrmittelanstalt, Frankfurt 1892/93, No. 511.