![KELLAR, Harry (Heinrich Keller) (1849-1922), American magician. Cabinet photograph inscribed and signed on verso ("Harry Kellar"), by Sarony, New York (imprint in red on mount), n.d. [ca.1885]. 6½ x 4¼ in. including mount, very minor spotting, otherwise in fine condition.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2007/NYR/2007_NYR_01938_1078_000(021359).jpg?w=1)
Details
KELLAR, Harry (Heinrich Keller) (1849-1922), American magician. Cabinet photograph inscribed and signed on verso ("Harry Kellar"), by Sarony, New York (imprint in red on mount), n.d. [ca.1885]. 6½ x 4¼ in. including mount, very minor spotting, otherwise in fine condition.
WARMLY INSCRIBED TO A FELLOW MAGICIAN. An outstanding early portrait of the man known as "the dean of American magicians," posed in a white collar and jacket, sporting a florid moustache. BOLDLY INSCRIBED IN INK: "To my dear friend Frederick E. Powell with kindest regards and best wishes Harry Kellar. Dec. 1885." Powell, to whom Kellar presented this photograph, was himself was a magician of considerable repute. Kellar toured widely, enjoyed widespread celebrity, and is widely regarded as a predecessor of Hary Houdini. RARE, particularly with the association to Powell.
Provenance: Manny Weltman Collection (sale, Swann, 31 October 2002, lot 149, $3,600).
WARMLY INSCRIBED TO A FELLOW MAGICIAN. An outstanding early portrait of the man known as "the dean of American magicians," posed in a white collar and jacket, sporting a florid moustache. BOLDLY INSCRIBED IN INK: "To my dear friend Frederick E. Powell with kindest regards and best wishes Harry Kellar. Dec. 1885." Powell, to whom Kellar presented this photograph, was himself was a magician of considerable repute. Kellar toured widely, enjoyed widespread celebrity, and is widely regarded as a predecessor of Hary Houdini. RARE, particularly with the association to Powell.
Provenance: Manny Weltman Collection (sale, Swann, 31 October 2002, lot 149, $3,600).