FANTASMAGORIA Illusionistic macabre show set up in the Court of the Capuchins by the Belgian entrepreneur Etienne-Gaspard Robertson (pseudonym of 蓆ienne-Gaspard Robert; 15 June 1763 - 2 July 1837); the spectral images were "evoked" with a special magic lantern of his own conception; the "Fantascopio"; which by moving on wheels reinforced the effect with variations in size and movement; to which sound effects were added. The unusual and very realistic show (for the time) produced terrifying effects on the public: from the fainting of the women scared to the aggressive reaction of the men wielding swords and walking sticks; or on the contrary they prostrated themselves trying to protect themselves; there was no lack of those who; like the characters at the center of the illustration; otherwise took advantage of the state of excitement caused by fear. Engraving from Lejeune; Paris; 1797