Kellar, Harry (Heinrich Keller) | A macabre Kellar poster featuring a vignette of his famous levitation illusion

Kellar, Harry (Heinrich Keller)

Kellar [Centipede.] Cincinnati & New York: The Strobridge Litho. Co., 1897 (no. NY-No. 7755)

Color lithograph poster (28 3/4 x 38 1/2 in.; 732 x 980 mm). Fold and other creases, some with minor abrasion, central vertical crease with a very little recoloring, some marginal staining, tears, and chips. Laid down on linen.

"This intriguing image contains everything that Kellar felt was important to a successful lithograph. At left he consults a metaphorical book of knowledge with the Devil. At right is his most famous illusion, the Levitation of Princess Karnac. The fire-breathing centipede and winged creatures promise a trip to a foreign world" (Magic). Despite its lack of descriptive text and eerie aspect, the poster must have been successful—it was adapted almost two decades later by Thurston (see Illusions 83).

REFERENCE:

Magic, p. 300