The world-famous Turin magician Bartolomeo Bosco was an illusionist, famous for what was described as “magical-physical arts” and “Egyptian magic”. These included bringing dead pigeons back to life, instantly fixing broken watches, or turning strawberries into radishes. His star trick was to shake off “like dust” a hail of bullets shot at him by twelve grenadiers. Bosco performed among others in the Rodakiewicz theatre. Witold Filler reported on his act:
As the maestro entered the stage, only two candles were burning, and he set alight two rows of candles along the walls by shooting at them from two pistols simultaneously. That was an unfailing hit! All the more so was the thrill every viewer could experience in person – by shooting at the magician from a duelling pistol. And from only a few metres!
