$4,000
Rogers, John (American, 1829 – 1904). The Traveling Magician. New York, 1878. Fine plaster sculpture showing an itinerant magician performing for three children. He produces a rabbit from his hat, while a secret assistant holds a pigeon behind the table, in readiness for the next trick. 15 x 15 ½ x 23”. Two small chips at rear. Professionally repainted. Any home proudly displaying a Rogers “group,” as his slice-of-life statues were called, was considered an upstanding middle class home. At the height of his popularity, more than 80 different groups were available, and Rogers sold them to customers not only across America, but overseas as well. The Traveling Magician is perhaps the most sought-after of the Rogers groups in that today, it is considered a cornerstone of virtually every important magic collection.
Auctioneer:
Potter & Potter
Date:
2015-04-04
