This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/25/2023
[ASTLEY] INSPICE ET JUDICA. PAR PERMISSION DE M. L’AMAN. [Paris?], (1787). Early letterpress broadside with square woodcut picturing a trick rider jumping over a rope suspended above the ring while riding two horses. Descriptive text below in French outlines the accomplishments of the Astleys, father and son, with further information in Dutch announcing the added performance of the acrobatic monkey, General Jacko, as well as a turn by an English ventriloquist. 17 x 6 3/8”. Browning, old paper tape to verso, hinged to cardstock. Jacko (or Jackoo) was a simian superstar of his day, a trained chimpanzee who began working in the circus in 1785, and not only performed acrobatic tricks but rode horses a la Astley. He also worked together with a dancing bear. In his golden years, Jacko gave up acrobatics for a more sedate life as a circus clown.