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
  • Corpus context: progress & technological shift, edison's innovation legacy
  • Keywords: thomas edison art, edison invention, dc generator art
  • Color hue: Ochre to Sepia

Questions & Answers

What color harmony does "DC generator" by Thomas Alva Edison display?

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

Where does "DC generator" sit within Thomas Alva Edison's body of work?

"DC generator" belongs to Thomas Alva Edison's Other work, whose recorded themes include industrial revolution tech, edison's innovation legacy, early 20th century science, mechanical age aesthetics, electrical engineering roots, progress & technological shift, nemo museum display piece, historical device showcase.

Is "DC generator" free of copyright?

Regarding copyright, "DC generator" is in the public domain - its copyright has expired.

What is the creation date of "DC generator" by Thomas Alva Edison?

"DC generator" by Thomas Alva Edison was created in 1890.

Who created "DC generator"?

"DC generator" is attributed to Thomas Alva Edison.

What was Thomas Alva Edison's age when "DC generator" was created?

Thomas Alva Edison made "DC generator" at the age of 43. The artist was born in 1847 and the work is dated 1890.

Do the colors of "DC generator" appear strong or soft?

The color intensity of "DC generator" is monochromatic. Intensity describes how strong the colors appear.

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