DC generatorThomas Alva Edison · 1890

  • Art movementOther
  • Creation date1890
  • Dimensions50.0 x 21.0 cm
  • MuseumNEMO Science Museum

Thomas Alva Edison (1847 – 1931)

Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931): American inventor of the light bulb, phonograph & motion pictures. Pioneer of industrial research with 1093+ patents. Explore his legacy!

NEMO Science Museum (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

Amsterdam's iconic NEMO Science Museum offers an immersive journey through interactive scientific exhibits and breathtaking rooftop views, inviting curious minds of all ages to explore the wonders of discovery.

Edison built this DC generator based on his 1878 design. The two long, vertically oriented black cylinders are the field coils that generate the magnetic field in which the rotor turns. The shape of those coils led the lab workers who worked on this design – all of whom were men – to refer it as ‘The Long-legged Mary-Ann’. The rotor is on the bottom, behind an upright lever. The lever controls a switch that can be set so the power generated by the rotor flows through the field coils in a parallel circuit, allowing the generator to create its own field. This type of generator was built in various sizes, and there are versions up to two metres high. Large horizontal versions were used for the world

About this artwork

  • Title: DC generator
  • Artist: Thomas Alva Edison
  • Year: 1890
  • Original dimensions: 50.0 x 21.0 cm
  • Format: Portrait
  • Copyright status: Public domain
  • Where to see it: NEMO Science Museum
  • Movement: Other
  • Corpus context: nemo museum display piece, electrical engineering roots
  • Main color: Gray

Questions & Answers

How harmonious are the colors of "DC generator" by Thomas Alva Edison?

The colors of "DC generator" by Thomas Alva Edison show a discordant palette harmony. Harmony describes how the colors relate to each other.

At what age did Thomas Alva Edison make "DC generator"?

Thomas Alva Edison was 43 years old when creating "DC generator" in 1890. The age is computed from the artist's birth year, 1847.

What color palette is used in "DC generator" by Thomas Alva Edison?

The palette of "DC generator" by Thomas Alva Edison is described as neutrals. It is a compact description of the work's colors.

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