What is a Phenakistoscope?
3 Key Takeaways 💡
The Phenakistoscope is the first animation device ever created, using spinning discs and slits to trick your eyes into seeing motion.
Invented independently by Joseph Plateau and Simon von Stampfer in 1832, it paved the way for modern cinema.
Though it faded quickly, today’s animators and hobbyists are reviving this 19th-century marvel with DIY projects and digital twists.
You’ve probably binge-watched animated shows or scrolled through endless GIFs, but have you ever wondered how animation actually began? Let’s rewind to 1832—before Netflix, before Disney, even before flipbooks—to meet the Phenakistoscope, the great-great-grandparent of all moving pictures. This device used cardboard, mirrors, and optical magic to make static images dance. Let’s dive into how this forgotten gadget sparked a revolution—and why it’s making a comeback today.
Fig. 1 - A diagram of a Phenakistoscope showing all components: the disc with sequential images, slits, mirror, and handle for spinning.
How the Phenakistoscope Tricked Your Brain (And Why It Still Does)
Imagine spinning a disc with a horse drawn in 12 slightly different poses (Fig. 1). Cut slits between each frame, hold it up to a mirror, and spin it fast. Peek through the slits, and—voilà!—the horse gallops.
This is the persistence of vision principle in action. Your brain holds onto an image for a split second after it’s gone, retaining an image for 1/16th of a second after it disappears. When the next image flashes, your mind stitches them into motion. Early scientists like Peter Roget studied this phenomenon in the 1820s, and modern movies still use this same trick—just at 24 frames per second instead of 12 hand-drawn ones.
Here’s the breakdown of how to make your own:
Disc 1: A cardboard circle with sequential images (e.g., a dancer mid-pirouette).
Disc 2 (optional): A second disc with slits to isolate each frame.
Mirror or second disc: To reflect or align the images as you spin.
Spin it at 10-12 rotations per second, and suddenly, static art becomes a looping animation. Simple? Yes. Revolutionary? Absolutely.
Compare it to today:
Smartphone screens: Use rapid frame rates (60Hz+) to reduce motion blur.
VR headsets: Rely on similar principles to create immersive worlds.
The Phenakistoscope was essentially the first VR headset—minus the headset.
The Rival Inventors Who (Accidentally) Shaped Animation History
In 1832, two inventors—Joseph Plateau (a Belgian physicist) and Simon von Stampfer (an Austrian mathematician)—independently created nearly identical devices. How? Both were inspired by Michael Faraday’s experiments with spinning wheels and optical illusions.
Plateau’s version: Partnered with a London publisher to sell discs under the name Fantascope.
Von Stampfer’s version: Patented as Stroboscopic Discs and sold across Europe.
Copycats flooded the market within months, selling poorly made knockoffs. Plateau even griped about “cheap imitations” ruining his invention’s reputation.
Fig. 2 - Joseph Plateau at work: The physicist who went blind pursuing optical illusions that changed animation forever.
Behind the Scenes: Plateau’s Blindness and Legacy
Plateau’s story is bittersweet. By 1843, he went blind after staring at the sun for 25 seconds during an experiment (Fig. 2). Yet, he continued teaching physics using tactile models. His work laid the foundation for modern optics—proving creativity thrives even in darkness.
Why the Phenakistoscope’s Fame Fizzled (And What Came Next)
The device was a Victorian-era viral hit, but its glory was short-lived. By 1834, newer toys like the Zoetrope (a spinning cylinder with strips of images) stole the spotlight. Why?
Zoetrope perks: Multiple people could watch at once—no mirror required.
Film’s rise: Projection tech in the late 1800s made screens, not spinning discs, the future.
But without the Phenakistoscope’s “persistence of vision” breakthrough, Walt Disney’s animations or Studio Ghibli’s films might not exist. It was the first step in a 200-year journey to Spider-Verse and beyond.
Fig. 3 - Technology evolution: How the group-friendly Zoetrope (right) eventually eclipsed the single-viewer Phenakistoscope (left).
The Zoetrope vs. Phenakistoscope: A Technical Showdown
Phenakistoscope: Required a mirror, single viewer, and precise spinning.
Zoetrope: Portable, group-friendly, and easier to mass-produce.
Sales numbers tell the tale: By 1867, Milton Bradley sold over 100,000 Zoetropes in the U.S. alone. The Phenakistoscope, meanwhile, became a niche curiosity.
Resurrecting the Phenakistoscope: Analog Nostalgia in a Digital World
In 2023, Richard Balzer, a New York collector, digitized 200+ Phenakistoscope discs from the 1830s—and they’re free to view on Tumblr. Artists and hobbyists are also crafting modern versions:
Vinyl record hacks: Use a turntable to spin custom discs.
Smartphone integration: Film through the slits to create hybrid analog-digital GIFs.
You can also grab Linearity Curve’s free animation templates to design your own Phenakistoscope art. Bonus points if you animate a Stranger Things scene retro-style.
DIY Phenakistoscope: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Sketch your frames: Use Linearity Curve to draw 12 sequential images.
2. Print and assemble: Glue the strip to a cardboard disc (diameter: 25cm).
3. Cut slits: Make 12 evenly spaced cuts (width: 2mm) between each frame.
4. Spin and record: Use a turntable or drill to rotate at 10 RPM. Capture with a smartphone at 1/1000 shutter speed.
Pro tip: Add LED strips for a psychedelic light show!
The Phenakistoscope in Classrooms: Teaching Animation’s ABCs
Educators are using this device to explain STEM concepts. At MIT’s Edgerton Center, students build Phenakistoscopes to learn about:
Angular velocity: How spin speed affects motion perception.
Frame rate optimization: Why 12 frames work better than 8 or 16.
A Brooklyn school’s 7th-grade class also used Phenakistoscopes to animate water cycles—merging art and science.
Cultural Legacy: From Victorian Parlors to Pixar Studios
The Phenakistoscope’s DNA lives on in:
Disney’s multiplane camera: Used layered discs for parallax effects in Snow White (1937).
GIF culture: Modern-day “loops” mirror the device’s endless animations.
Even Pixar pays homage—check out the spinning zoetrope in their studio lobby.
Conclusion: From Spinning Discs to Streaming Pixels
The Phenakistoscope wasn’t just a toy—it was proof that storytelling could move. Today, it’s a reminder that even “outdated” tech can inspire innovation. Whether you’re a pro animator or a curious newbie, this 19th-century gadget teaches one timeless lesson: Creativity thrives on constraints.
Ready to mix old-school charm with modern tools? Start your next project with Linearity Curve—where history meets hyper-creativity.
5 FAQs About the Phenakistoscope
1. Can I make a Phenakistoscope without a mirror?
Yes! Later versions used two discs instead. Check out this DIY guide for mirror-free designs.
2. How is this different from a Zoetrope?
Zoetropes use a cylinder instead of a disc.
3. Why did it take two inventors to create the same thing?
Great minds think alike—especially when inspired by the same scientific discoveries. Dive deeper into 19th-century innovation.
4. Are Phenakistoscopes still sold today?
Yes! Etsy sellers and niche museums offer replicas. Or design your own with Linearity Curve.
5. How does this relate to modern animation software?
Tools like Linearity Curve automate what the Phenakistoscope did manually. Explore Auto-Animate features here.
**Article published: May 9, 2025**
Biography
Established in 2019, Amazdraw is a pioneering animation studio in Delhi NCR. We offer top-quality animations, visual effects, motion designs, and more. Our specialties include various techniques such as traditional, 2D animation, whiteboard animation, and illustrations. We have a team of industry experts and focus on providing high-quality services. Amazdraw is now recognized as one of the best animation companies in North India.