Snapshots of the Past

[Houdini and the circus] – Antique Print

[Houdini and the circus], 1908 — vintage poster
[Houdini and the circus], 1908. Vintage poster from the Astrology & Magic collection.

(Originally scanned by the Library of Congress. Each image is professionally and digitally cleaned of artifacts such as color bars and extra borders prior to printing.)

Description

This vintage poster of [Houdini and the circus] brings a moment of history to your wall. Sourced directly from the Library of Congress, it represents an authentic piece of documented history.

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[Houdini and the circus]

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This 1908 color lithograph advertises Harry Houdini as a featured attraction at Berlin's Circus Busch, placing the escape artist within the ring rather than on a theater stage. The pairing had a history. Houdini first performed his Metamorphosis illusion with the Welsh Brothers Circus during the lean early years of his career, and he kept close ties to circuses as his reputation grew in Europe. He had already appeared in Germany and Holland with the Corty-Althoff Circus in 1901, and with the Circus Caree in 1902 and 1903. Posters like this one show how circus advertising of the period relied on bold color and a star name to draw crowds.

Created / published1908
Medium1 print (poster) : lithograph, color.
GenreLithographs Color 1910-1920.Circus posters German 1910-1920.
NotesIn 1908 Houdini was a star of the Circus Busch in Berlin. The escapologist had performed Metomorphosis with the Welsh Brothers Circus in the difficult days of his early career and maintained a circus connection throughout the triumphant years of his breakthrough in Europe. Houdini appeared in Germany and Holland with the Corty-Althoff Circus in 1901, and with the Circus Caree in 1902, and 1903.
SubjectsHoudini, Harry,--1874-1926--Associated objects. Magicians--Germany--Berlin--1900-1910. Magic--Germany--Berlin--1900-1910. Circus performers--Germany--Berlin--1900-1910. Escapes--Germany--Berlin--1900-1910.
SourceLibrary of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division
Original scan1,444 × 1,155 px · prints to 5 × 4 in at 300 dpi
ReferenceAMZ-SOTP-HPA-217305

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