Tom Lovell - The Great Blondin

17" x 17" Oil on board. Pulp Magazine illustration - 1930's
By Tom Lovell (1909 - 1997)

Depicting the first tightrope walker to cross the Niagara Falls, Jean Francois Gravelot, a French aerialist, who called himself "The Great Blondin". On June 30, 1859, at 5 pm, Blondin made his first journey across the Falls, from US to Canada and completed his crossing in 20 minutes. He then had a glass of champagne and walked back in 8.

For two summers, Blondin performed above the Niagara. During his subsequent performances, he crossed the Falls on a bicycle, on stilts, and at night. He swung by one arm, turned somersaults, and stood on his head on a chair. Once he pushed a stove in a wheelbarrow and cooked an omelet. On one occasion, he crossed blindfold in a heavy sack made of blankets. But his greatest feat was to carry a man across on his back. During his fifth exhibition, he persuaded his manager, Harry Colcord (depicted here), to climb on his back and to hazard the long trip across the gorge.

Later in life, Tom Lovell became one of America's most talented painters.
Lovell and his daughter both died in a tragic car crash on June 29, 1997.