This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/28/2023
RASTELLI, Enrico (1896–1931). ORIGINAL TRIO RASTELLI. Hamburg: Adolph Friedlander, 1912. Bright stone lithograph in colors with eight vignettes of the famed Italian juggler (as a young man) and his parents, Alberto and Giulia, passing torches (while balanced atop each other’s heads), juggling crockery, spinning flagpoles with their feet, and other miraculous feats. Border chips and closed tears into image, central separation prominent. 37 × 27". Mounted to Chartex. A scarce juggling poster. See Exemplars, page 314.
Rastelli is widely regarded as one of the greatest jugglers of all time who used unusual techniques and set world records, reportedly juggling ten small balls, or presenting three tricks simultaneously, juggling six porcelain plates while skipping rope and spinning a hoop on one leg. He died unexpectedly from an infection, reportedly from a cut inflicted on his mouth by one of his own props.