Madame Girardelli | The only true fire-proof female

Madame Girardelli

Fire, Fire. The Only Female Salamander in the World. London: Roberts, ca. 1814

Handbill (250 x 185 mm). Numerous fonts; old folds, creasing, sort closed tear, a few spots. 

Josephine Girardelli "arrived from the Continent in 1814 with claims of royal patronage… Appearing at Mr. Laxton's Rooms, 23 New Bond Street, the Signora put boiling lead in her mouth (on which she happily showed the imprint on her teeth). She walked barefoot on a red-hot iron bar and passed the bar over various parts of her body. She washed in aquafortis and put boiling water in her mouth" (LP&FW 258).

REFERENCE:

LP&FW, pp. 258-261