Культурная история электричества в России XIX века: электрический свет как спектакль и развлечение

Вопросы истории естествознания и техники. 2017. Т. 38. № 3. С. 448–469.

Nikiforova N., Сидорчук И. В.

The article explores cultural history of electricity in Russia at the end of the XIXth – beginning of 20th century, following the approaches developed within the Western humanities. The research is dedicated to the circumstances of encounter of wider public with electricity, as well as influence of the new technology on construction and transformation of new leisure spaces and practices. Authors show the specificities of domestication of electricity, that was hindered by its uncertain identity. Exploration and taming of electricity became an inherent part of numerous projects of perfect future, that can be found in social utopia and popular scientific writings. The “magic” of electricity, that could not be afforded by mass consumers, in the XIXth century started to form a part of urban visual culture, for instance enhancing political spectacle of Imperial ceremonies. Electricity contributed to the development of new leisure culture, it was used to decorate festivities, amusement spaces and events. At industrial exhibitions, through fun and relaxation the possibilities of electrical technology, as well as the way “modern life should be” were shown to the public. The authors conclude that it is impossible to perceive electricity in the given period only as a sensational novelty, whose advantages were obvious to the consumers. New technology should be seen as a complex cultural phenomenon, that needed symbolical interpretation due to its uncertain identity and powerful visual effects, together with possibilities of practical application. From 1880s to 1910s the public image of electricity was romanticized and belonged to the mystical, and at the same tame was becoming a symbol rationally organized life and “promise of the future.”

Keywords: история досуга, cultural history of electricity, history of leisure, electrical sublime, domestication of electricity, культурная история электричества, электрическое возвышенное, доместикация электричества