$3,200
Balabrega (John N. Miller). Balabrega. New York, The Metropolitan Printing Co., ca. 1880. One-sheet (29 ½ x 40") color lithograph depicting a central portrait of "The Swedish Wonder" surrounded by vignettes of his performance. The latter show Balabrega performing the Decapitation illusion, card tricks, and exhibiting trained canaries. Some restoration to margins generally not affecting image. Linen backed. Good condition. Scarce. Balabrega began his career before the footlights as a boy of 11, and later developed a mind reading act with his wife, Emily Linden. His life was tragically cut short in Pernambuco, Brazil when a gas footlight exploded and killed him. He was 49 years old.
Auctioneer:
Potter & Potter
Date:
2011-03-26
