During the 20th century, communication, information and entertainment fields converged, under the influence of data digitalisation, network infrastructure development and widespread use of devices whose common characteristic is to be fitted with screens. It is a fact that might be well observed: screens are everywhere in our everyday life, in public spaces and private areas, and their presence generates different reactions, like fear or enthusiasm. Moreover, in making the "digital divide" manifest, the screen plays a role not only by his presence but also through its absence, and its generalization seems to be an important step in making the "global village" a reality. As a matter of fact, screens play a social and cultural key role as they frame more and more of our interactions. But despite this visible growing use, screens remain a little-known artefact. The aim of this research study is to shed light on the cultural origins of the screen, to list its main characteristics, to analyse its evolution and to find the common features between the different items named screen. Through a methodology based on lexicometrical tools and picture analysis, we plan to define the role played by the screen in culture to improve our knowledge of the changes affecting the communication field. Thereby, this work not only contributes to make the invention of the screen emerge from oblivion, but it also can help to take a fresh look at our cultural legacy from different angles.