The Electric Light – Mr. Edison in His Laboratory, 1880
€ 220
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1880
Sheet size
40.5 × 29.5 cm (15.9 × 11.6 in)
Reference
BG-13839-8
What the condition grades mean
Excellent
Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good
Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good
Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair
Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Condition
Good, given age. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Right border cut short, but leaving enough space for proper framing. Please study scans carefully.
About this sheet
Published in The Graphic, December 4, 1880. This hand-colored engraving, published in The Graphic on December 4, 1880, offers a rare glimpse into the laboratory of the famed inventor Thomas Edison as he works on his groundbreaking experiments with electric light.
The scene captures Edison (on the right) standing at a long table, deeply absorbed in his work, while a colleague is seated nearby, both illuminated by the glow of early electric bulbs. The laboratory is filled with electrical equipment—wires, coils, light bulbs, and scientific instruments—scattered across the workbench and surrounding area.
The engraving’s atmospheric lighting reflects the profound impact of Edison’s work on electric light, with the electric bulbs casting a warm, soft glow over the room, symbolizing the dawn of a new technological era. The backdrop of bookshelves and Edison’s focused demeanor convey the seriousness and dedication that led to his monumental achievements in electricity.
Edison’s work on electric lighting, specifically his development of a practical and long-lasting incandescent bulb, revolutionized society, ushering in the age of widespread electric illumination. This engraving captures the essence of that transformative moment, making it a significant visual record of one of the most important inventions of the 19th century.
About the Publication and Technique: The Graphic was a British weekly illustrated newspaper that provided detailed visual coverage of important events and innovations worldwide.
This illustration, labeled “A Sketch from Life,” suggests that the artist visited Edison’s laboratory to capture a realistic depiction of the inventor at work. The print was created using the wood engraving technique, with hand-coloring added to enhance the warmth of the electric light and the intimate, focused atmosphere of the scene.
Thomas Edison (1847–1931) was an American inventor and businessman who developed many devices that have had a major impact on modern life, including the phonograph, motion picture camera, and most famously, the electric light bulb.
