Paris, R. Bouchardon, ca. 1900. Pictorial leaflet printed on cardboard (21.1 x 16.4 cm). Printed in red and blue, additionally gilded and some silver.

A very rare leaflet, especially in this excellent condition. It shows thirteen tightrope stunts, each captioned in French. In the margin, additional text is printed in Spanish, English, German, and in French. The tightrope walker's name appears to be Frédéric Arsens, who is represented as a "Moderne Blondin". Charles Blondin, born Jean François Gravelet (1824-1897) was the first to cross the Niagara river on a tightrope, and his name became synonymous with tightrope walking, or funambulism. Undated, but most probably from the 1890's or perhaps a bit earlier. A few, minuscule signs of wear, but otherwise near mint.