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OPEN CLASSIC CINEMA · 1602

A Mysterious Portrait

18991 minFrance
Fantasy

Synopsis

A magician sets up an empty picture frame and conjures his own portrait inside it. The image comes to life, allowing performer and likeness to meet before the double fades away.

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Video edition
Wikimedia Commons
Original language
No spoken dialogue. Intertitles: not identified.
This copy runs
0:59
Subtitles
No subtitle track in this language

No spoken dialogue. Intertitles: not identified. No subtitle track in this language.

Languages and subtitles

No subtitle track in this language

Wikimedia Commons · Georges Méliès · Public domain

DirectorsGeorges Méliès

Behind the scenes

Georges Méliès plays both figures. Masks and multiple exposures isolate parts of the picture, creating an early example of a matte effect.

Sources and availability

General references identify the work and its copy. A reference beside an editorial section is linked to the claims checked in that section.

Wikipedia — film referenceWikidata — film identity and credits

Work catalogued as public domain in the United States.

The public-domain references concern the original films in the United States. Rights can differ for other countries, editions, restorations, music or translations. Sources are listed on each film page.

Availability checked on September 22, 2026.

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