Monday, December 6, 2010

Dante #5 Magic Hat Series


This is Harry Jansen, also known as Dante the Magician. He is said to be the successor to Howard Thurston, who was Kellar's successor. Dante was an interesting performer. I think he spent most of his time overseas performing, but as the War was getting to break out in Europe he came home. Dante is very much the traditional magician in appearance with the tuxedo and top hat. Though in his case the cigar also became part of his trade mark look. Adding to his look was a phrase or set of magic words that also became associated with Dante, Sim Sala Bim. He used it as the name of his show and also as the words he would say just before a feat of magic. After he left Europe the name was picked up by a German magician Kalanag and he used it as if it were his own.

The Dante is painted in acrylics. It's probably my favorite of the six Magic Hat paintings. It's the same size as the Kellar, 20x24 and it is also my second Dante painting.

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