A zoetrope is a device that creates the illusion of motion by displaying a series of static images in quick succession. The images are usually drawn on a strip of paper or cardboard and placed inside a cylinder with slits cut into the sides. As the cylinder is turned, the viewer looks through the slits and sees the images appear to move.
Zoetrope-type devices were first invented in the early 1800s, and they remained popular until the advent of motion pictures in the late 19th century. Today, zoetropes are mostly used as a novelty item or as a educational tool to teach the principles of animation. What is a zoetrope? A zoetrope is a device that creates the illusion of motion from a series of static images. It consists of a cylinder with a series of images painted on the inside surface. As the cylinder spins, the user looks through the slits in the cylinder at the images, creating the illusion of motion. What is the difference between a Phenakistoscope and an zoetrope? A phenakistoscope is an early animation device that uses a spinning disc with images on it to create the illusion of motion. A zoetrope is a similar device that uses a cylinder with images on it.
How was the zoetrope invented?
The zoetrope was invented in 1834 by William Horner, a British mathematician. It was based on the concept of the "persistence of vision," which posits that the human brain can retain an image for a brief period of time after it has been seen. This allows the brain to "fill in the gaps" between frames of a moving image, creating the illusion of continuous motion.
The zoetrope consists of a cylinder with a series of images placed around its inner surface. As the cylinder is rotated, the images appear to move. How fast does a zoetrope spin? A zoetrope spins at a rate of 24 frames per second. Does zoetrope stop motion? No, zoetrope does not stop motion.