Charles Blondin Collection

Blondin's Pantomimic Drama at the Crystal Palace: Planter's House on the coast of Brazil... 1862
Blondin's Pantomimic Drama at the Crystal Palace: Planter's House on the coast of Brazil - Blondin, as an ape, nursing the Planter's Child, 1862

The Late Chevalier Blondin (litho)
1036802 The Late Chevalier Blondin (litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Late Chevalier Blondin)

M Blondins First Ascent at the Crystal Palace (engraving)
2773461 M Blondins First Ascent at the Crystal Palace (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: M Blondins First Ascent at the Crystal Palace)

French tightrope walker Charles Blondin crossing Niagara Falls, 1859 (b / w photo)
5229605 French tightrope walker Charles Blondin crossing Niagara Falls, 1859 (b/w photo) by American Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Charles Blondin (engraving)
608243 Charles Blondin (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Charles Blondin, who made his first appearance in Britain at Crystal Palace, Sydenham)

Blondin Cooking an Omelet over Niagara (engraving)
3628081 Blondin Cooking an Omelet over Niagara (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Blondin Cooking an Omelet over Niagara)

Rope-Walking at Sea, M Blondin on Board the P and O Steamer "Poonah"(engraving)
1049461 Rope-Walking at Sea, M Blondin on Board the P and O Steamer " Poonah" (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Rope-Walking at Sea)

M Blondin (engraving)
2773468 M Blondin (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: M Blondin. Illustration for the Illustrated Times)

Charles Blondin (photo)
611434 Charles Blondin (photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Charles Blondin); Look and Learn / Peter Jackson Collection; English, out of copyright

Blondin crossing the Arno on a Tight-Rope at Florence for the Benefit of the Sufferers from the Cholera (engraving)
1045714 Blondin crossing the Arno on a Tight-Rope at Florence for the Benefit of the Sufferers from the Cholera (engraving) by English School

The hero Chevalier Blondin of Niagara (b / w photo)
3105050 The hero Chevalier Blondin of Niagara (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The hero Chevalier Blondin of Niagara)

Performance by French tightrope walker and acrobat Charles Blondin in Brussels (engraving)
6001353 Performance by French tightrope walker and acrobat Charles Blondin in Brussels (engraving) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Blondins feat (engraving)
6013299 Blondins feat (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Blondins feat. Illustration for World of Adventure (Cassell, 1895).); © Look and Learn

The late M Blondin (engraving)
1597207 The late M Blondin (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The late M Blondin. Illustration for The Illustrated London News, 27 February 1897)

Blondin at Shoreditch, 1872. Creator: Gustave Doré
Blondin at Shoreditch, 1872. Charles Blondin French acrobat, walks the tightrope in Shoreditch. From, " LONDON. A Pilgrimage" by Gustave Dore and Blanchard Jerrold. [Grant and Co

Blondin Outdone, 1859. Palmerston, dressed in contemporary circus costume, wheeling a nervous looking Lord John Russell across a tightrope with Niagara Falls in the background

Blondins Rope
1859: A man tests the rope structure on which French acrobat and tightrope-walker Charles Blondin will cross the Niagara River. The Niagara suspension bridge can be seen in the background

For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

Charles Blondin was a legendary French tightrope walker who captivated audiences with his death-defying stunts. From crossing Niagara Falls to performing on board a steamer, he pushed the boundaries of what seemed possible. In lithographs and engravings, we see him in action - balancing precariously on a thin rope, defying gravity with every step. One such image shows "The Late Chevalier Blondin, " reminding us of his enduring legacy even after his passing. Another engraving captures Blondin's first ascent at the Crystal Palace, showcasing his fearless determination from the very beginning. A black and white photograph freezes time as he fearlessly crosses Niagara Falls in 1859, leaving spectators breathless with awe. Blondin's talents were not limited to tightrope walking alone; an engraving depicts him cooking an omelet over Niagara Falls, demonstrating both skill and showmanship. He even took his act to sea, as shown in another engraving titled "Rope-Walking at Sea, " where he performs aboard the P&O Steamer "Poonah. " In each image - whether it be an engraving or photograph - Charles Blondin exudes confidence and charisma that mesmerized audiences worldwide. His daring feats extended beyond North America; one engraving showcases him crossing the Arno on a tight-rope in Florence for the benefit of cholera sufferers. Blondin's fame reached its zenith during performances like those depicted in Brussels, where crowds gathered to witness this acrobat defy all odds. Each picture tells a story of courage and triumph against gravity itself. Today, we remember Charles Blondin as more than just a man who walked across ropes; he was an icon whose audacity inspired generations to push their own limits. His legacy lives on through these captivating images that continue to remind us of humanity's relentless pursuit of adventure and achievement.