This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/28/2023
[HOLTUM, John (1845–1919)] CHERET, Jules. TOUS LES SOIRS. FOLIES-BERGÈRE. HOLTUM L’ECARTELÉ. [Paris: Cheret, ca. 1880]. Bright half-sheet stone lithograph advertising the appearance of this remarkable strongman and cannonball catcher at the famed Parisian variety venue. Here, Holtum is depicted firing a cannon slung over one shoulder, and wrestling with two horses, pulling against each steed with a separate arm. Margins trimmed close to 22 × 15½". Minor professional repairs to borders and one closed tear. B.
Holtum conceived of his famous cannonball catching feat in the 1870s, and though some detractors suggested he cheated to accomplish the stunt – by using a hollow ball or loading the cannon with a minimal amount of powder before it was fired – no one could duplicate the effect when challenged by its inventor. Holtum used only a bare minimum of protective equipment when catching the balls: a slim chest pad and leather gloves. To lengthen his variety turn, he also juggled or balanced cannonballs and, as depicted in this poster, restrained two horses with his bare hands. He died of natural causes in England in 1919.