list a brief timeline of animation between 1872 and 1928

Daniel Parker

2 min read

·

27-02-2025

1

0

Share

Introduction:

The period between 1872 and 1928 witnessed the birth and explosive growth of animation, transforming from a scientific curiosity to a burgeoning entertainment medium. This timeline highlights key milestones and influential figures who shaped the early days of this art form. We'll explore the evolution from simple moving images to the foundational techniques that paved the way for the animation giants of the future. This journey from static images to moving pictures is truly captivating!

The Dawn of Moving Images (1872-1900)

• 1872: Eadweard Muybridge's pioneering work on motion studies, using multiple cameras to capture sequential images of a horse galloping, lays the groundwork for understanding how to create the illusion of movement. This groundbreaking experiment provided the visual evidence needed to understand how to create movement in pictures.

• 1887: Émile Reynaud invents the Théâtre Optique, a device projecting animated images onto a screen, showcasing early examples of hand-drawn animation. This innovation marked a significant step towards public screenings.

• Late 1890s: Early experiments with celluloid film and techniques for capturing and projecting moving images become increasingly refined, creating a fertile ground for the development of animation. These advances made capturing and displaying movement much easier.

The Birth of Modern Animation (1900-1910)

• Early 1900s: Animation begins appearing in short films, mostly as novelty acts within longer productions. These early examples are incredibly crude by today’s standards but still incredibly important.

• 1908: Winsor McCay's "Gertie the Dinosaur," a groundbreaking cartoon featuring a surprisingly lifelike dinosaur, is widely considered one of the earliest examples of sophisticated animation. This landmark achievement demonstrated the potential of animation as a storytelling medium.

The Rise of Character Animation (1910-1920)

• 1910s-1920s: The "cartoon" as we know it begins to take shape. Simple animation techniques, like stop-motion and drawn animation, start becoming increasingly refined.

• 1914: The first animated advertisement is created. This development signaled a growing recognition of animation's potential as a commercial tool.

• 1910s-1920s: Animators begin experimenting with more expressive characters and storylines, moving beyond simple novelty acts. This experimentation laid the foundation for the development of more complex narratives and character arcs.

• 1919: Felix the Cat, a hugely popular animated character, makes his debut. Felix's popularity cemented the growing acceptance of animation as a viable form of entertainment.

Towards Feature-Length Animation (1920-1928)

• 1920s: Animation studios start to emerge, establishing more formalized production pipelines. This period represents an increasing professionalization of the field.

• 1926: Walt Disney produces "Steamboat Willie," marking the debut of Mickey Mouse and the introduction of synchronized sound in animation. This was a turning point in animation history; sound added another layer of immersion.

• 1928: The first feature-length animated film, El Apóstol, is released in Argentina. Although largely unknown, this event shows the potential for longer storytelling.

Conclusion:

The period from 1872 to 1928 represents a crucial formative era for animation. From simple motion studies to the introduction of sound and the emergence of iconic characters, these decades laid the foundation for the animation industry we know today. The innovations and artistic breakthroughs of these early pioneers continue to inspire and influence animators even now. The legacy of these early experimenters continues to shape the industry, proving the power of early exploration.