This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/28/2023
CHERET, Jules (1836–1932). LE SPECTRE DE PAGANINI. Paris: J. Cheret, ca. 1878. Stone lithograph in colors depicting the “ghost” of Paganini, portrayed full-length with a violin in his hands. The role was played by one R.C. Levy at the Folies Bergère. Framed to 27½ × 19½". Not examined out of frame, but short tears and linen backing visible. RARE.
Paganini was considered by some to be in league with the devil, due in no small part to his virtuosity. That legend was perhaps the inspiration for this production which used the then-modern apparatus of Pepper’s Ghost to materialize the ethereal form of the deceased violinist at the center of the stage.