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One sheet Stone litho magic vintage poster advertises Alexander the Man Who Knows (Claude Alexander Conlin), a famous American vaudeville magician and mentalist prominent in the early 20th century. He specialized in mind-reading and psychic reading acts, often using a crystal ball and wearing the iconic feathered turban and Oriental-style robes seen in the image.
The Performer: Claude Alexander Conlin
Real Name: Born Claude Alexander Conlin in Alexandria, South Dakota, in 1880.
Career: He was a highly successful and wealthy performer, reportedly earning millions of dollars between 1915 and 1927.
Technique: His mind-reading act relied on a combination of showmanship, an understanding of psychology, and innovative use of concealed technology, such as an earpiece hidden in his turban to receive information from offstage assistants.
Legacy: Conlin retired young at age 43 and published books on mentalism and psychology, including the well-known The Life and Mysteries of The Celebrated Dr. Q.
The Iconic Poster
Design: The striking chromolithograph poster, dating circa 1910-1920, features an imposing portrait of Conlin against a vibrant red background. The turban's tassel subtly forms the shape of a question mark. |
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