Eglinton Tournament Magic Lantern Slide

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This lantern slide is an interesting and previously unknown example of one of the many categories of ephemera that were created to capitalize upon the popularity of the Eglinton Tournament. Held in 1839, the tournament was a watershed event in the Gothic revival movement and inspired, among other things, fresh interest in collecting arms and armor.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.

Metropolitan Museum of Art