New Spirit Pictures Magic Trick. The performer (medium) presents a wooden frame covered with a piece of cloth, demonstrating that it is transparent from both sides. Once the cloth is placed on an easel, a lamp is set behind it, illuminating the fabric. As the lights dim slightly and soft music plays, an enchanting spirit picture emerges on the cloth in vibrant colours, captivating the audience with its supernatural appearance.
New Spirit Pictures Magic Trick
Preparation
Materials Needed:
- Wooden Frame: A sturdy frame to hold the cloth.
- Piece of Cloth: An unbleached muslin screen that will be used to display the spirit pictures.
- Easel: To display the cloth prominently in front of the audience.
- Lamp: A light source to illuminate the cloth from behind.
- Chemicals:
- Sulphate of Iron (for blue)
- Nitrate of Bismuth (for yellow)
- Sulphate Copper (for brown)
- Prussiate of Potash (for spraying colors)
- Atomizer: A spray bottle for applying the prussiate solution.
- Brushes: Separate brushes for each color.
Creating the Solutions:
- Prepare the Color Solutions:
- Dissolve a small quantity of each chemical (sulphate of iron, nitrate bismuth, sulphate copper) in warm water in separate containers.
- Ensure each solution is mixed thoroughly to achieve a uniform consistency.
- Prepare the Prussiate Solution:
- Mix a solution of prussiate of potash in a separate bottle for use in the atomizer.
- Create the Pictures:
- Using the brushes, paint a design (landscape, portrait, etc.) on the muslin cloth with the respective color solutions. Allow the cloth to dry completely. The colors will be invisible at this stage.
Performance Steps
- Setup:
- Display the wooden frame with the cloth stretched over it, ensuring the audience can see both sides of the cloth.
- Position the easel in a suitable spot, and place the lamp behind the cloth at a distance that provides good illumination without causing glare.
- Establish Transparency:
- Show the audience that the cloth is transparent by allowing them to look through it. Ensure they can see the lamp behind the cloth.
- Dim the Lights:
- Lower the lights slightly to create a more mystical atmosphere, while still allowing the audience to see the cloth clearly.
- Add Music:
- Play soft, eerie music to enhance the ambiance and cover any sounds from the performance.
- Reveal the Spirit Picture:
- With the cloth ready, your assistant or medium, positioned behind the cloth, takes the atomizer.
- They will spray the solution of prussiate of potash onto the back of the dampened cloth, which will activate the previously invisible colors, causing the spirit picture to emerge gradually.
- Final Presentation:
- Allow the audience to observe the picture as it develops, revealing the vibrant colors in a mesmerizing manner.
- Conclude the performance by stepping aside and allowing the audience to examine the cloth, ensuring they see no evidence of how the effect was achieved.
Secrets Behind the Trick
- Chemical Reactions: The secret to this illusion lies in the use of specific chemicals that, when applied to the dampened cloth, react with the invisible colors that were painted on earlier. This transformation is what creates the mesmerizing spirit images.
- Invisible Ink Technique: The initial painting on the cloth uses substances that become visible when the prussiate solution is applied, allowing for a smooth reveal that seems to happen on its own.
- Audience Management: The strategic use of music and lighting helps to distract the audience from any noise made by the atomizer, as well as from the actions of the assistant behind the cloth.
Conclusion
The “New Spirit Pictures” magic trick is a captivating performance that combines visual intrigue with a sense of the supernatural. By preparing the materials properly and executing the trick with precision, the performer can create an unforgettable experience that leaves the audience both amazed and mystified. This trick not only showcases the art of magic but also demonstrates the fascinating interplay between science and illusion.
