Étienne-Gaspard Robert, more widely known by his stage name Robertson, was a remarkable figure in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Born on June 15, 1763, in the Prince-Bishopric of Liège, Robertson displayed a keen interest in the sciences and arts from a young age. He studied at Leuven and later became a physics professor specializing in optics, which would lay the foundation for his later work in phantasmagoria—a form of horror theater that captivated audiences with projections of ghosts and demons.
Robertson’s journey took him to Paris in 1791, during a tumultuous period marked by the French Revolution. Here, his talents flourished as he combined his scientific expertise with his artistic passions. By 1799, he had developed the Fantoscope, an advanced magic lantern that allowed him to project layers of images, creating the illusion of spectral apparitions moving towards the audience. This innovation, along with his flair for showmanship, made his phantasmagoria shows wildly popular in Europe and the United States.
In addition to his work in optics, Robertson was also a pioneer in ballooning, using hot air balloons to conduct atmospheric and meteorological experiments. Despite his scientific contributions, it was his captivating phantasmagoria performances that left an indelible mark on cultural history. His shows, often held in atmospheric locations like the crumbling Convent of the Capucines, were a blend of science and theater that thrilled and terrified audiences.
Robertson passed away on July 2, 1837, but his legacy endures, symbolized by his elaborate tomb in Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. The tomb features macabre motifs reflective of his phantasmagoria, with grimacing skulls and bas-reliefs depicting scenes from his career, including his contributions to the early days of aviation.
Through his innovative use of optics and theatrical presentation, Robertson not only entertained but also challenged the boundaries between reality and illusion, leaving a lasting influence on both scientific and cultural realms.
