$250
Ducrot, Frank (T. Francis Fritz). Chautauqua stage renderings. American, 1910s. Two hand-painted designs for the proscenium, curtains, and stage setting for a tent Chautauqua show. In the largest image, a magician’s illusion stands at center stage. Text on the reverse identifies the paintings as conceived by Frank Ducrot. Watercolors on board, the largest 17 x 12 ½”. Ducrot, an inventive and humorous magician, made his living as a performer for decades and billed himself as “The Boy Magician.” He was one of many well-known magicians to perform on Chautauqua circuits, which toured rural America from roughly 1900 – 1930. He also served as editor of Mahatma, the first American magic periodical. For the last several years of his life, Ducrot worked in New York City where he owned and operated the Hornmann Magic Co. On Ducrot’s death, the business was purchased by Al Flosso.
Auctioneer:
Potter & Potter
Date:
2015-05-31
