Lot 88: William Henry Knight (1823-1863)

'Rivals to Blondin'
signed and dated 'W. H. Knight. 1862.' (lower left) and further inscribed 'No. 2 Subject "Rivals to Blondin" W. H. Knight No 1. Claude Villas Love Walk Grove Lane Camberwell' (on the reverse)
oil on board
18 3/8 x 24 in. (46.7 x 61 cm.)

with Spencer S.A., London.

Jean Gravlet, alias Charles Blondin, was christened 'The Daredevil Wirewalker' following his celebrated tightrope crossing of the Niagara Falls. In 1861 he appeared at Crystal Palace; perhaps inspiring Knight's portrayal of incipient daredevils. Blondin died in 1897, having never suffered a serious accident in 66 years of stunts.

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