Salon de Magie: The Klosterman Collection Part I

Herrmann, Adelaide. Cabinet Card Portrait of Adelaide Herrmann. New York: Hall, ca. 1880. The self-proclaimed “queen of magic,” dressed in knee breeches and a white blouse, sits next to a white china plate. Printed photographer’s mount with Herrmann’s name below the portrait, 6 ½ x 4 ¼". Edgewear, else very good. This photograph was captured to promote Mme. Herrmann’s performance of the Bullet Catching feat. In her version of the effect, the bullets, fired by marksmen from across the stage, were caught on a plate held between her outstretched hands.