Sibling Revelry

As we featured a poster of Augustus Hartz last time around, it seemed only fair to now include one for his brother, Joseph Michael Hartz. The co-owners of an eponymous magic shop in New York that was likely the first in America, the brothers were also clever performers who often featured their own creations in their professional performances. Joseph was especially known for one such routine, wherein he filled the stage with objects that were all produced from his top hat. This lovely half sheet poster (approximately 20" x 30“) printed by Clement-Smith Co. of London, which captures the effect quite nicely, is well over 100 years old. I suppose this is an early example of “packs small, plays big.”

2021, Kenneth M. Trombly, All Rights Reserved