Collection Highlights
The Rail Candidate
Date:
1860
Object Number:
PR.010.1860.Rail
Medium:
Lithograph
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Museum Collections
Luce Center
Chiromagica
Object Number:
2000.488
Date:
ca. 1870
Medium:
Wood, glass, paper
Dimensions:
box: 2 x 11 3/4 x 11 3/4 in. ( 5.1 x 29.8 x 29.8 cm )
Marks:
lithographed: on the box cover: "CHIROMAGICA/ McLOUGHLIN BRO'S N.Y."
Description:
Board game with three paper discs in a wooden box with sliding lid; on cover, illustration with figure of wizard in red robe and peaked cap, pointing to central design, with books, globe, rolled up papers, spyglass, and cat at his feet; central design consists of a circle hung behind wizard's head with pointing hand to right of circle, surrounded by billowing clouds; one paper disc pasted to glass case inside box; three sheets of printed paper with circles cut out of centers, with answers to the questions on the discs in circles bordering interior edge.
Gallery Label:
McLoughlin Brothers' 1885 catalogue described Chiromagica as a "wonderful contrivance" based on "scientific principles" and noted that it affords "endless amusement for the family circle." The Magician's hand miraculously indicates the correct answers to questions posed by questions on the game cards.
Bibliography:
Hofer, Margaret K. "The Games We Played: The Golden Age of Board & Table Games." New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 2003.
Credit Line:
The Liman Collection
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.
