Paul Philidor
| "Phylidor" | |
|---|---|
| Died | 1829 |
| Nationality | Brabantian (Belgian/Dutch) or German |
| Other names | Paul de Philipsthal, Paul Filidort, Charles Phyllidoor |
| Occupation | Stage magician |
| Years active | 1785-1828 |
| Known for | Phantasmagoria |
Phylidor (17??–1829), also spelled "Phylidoor" or "Philidor", also known as "Paul Filidort" and probably the same as Paul de Philipsthal, was a magician and a pioneer of phantasmagoria shows.
Phylidor's origins are unclear, as is his exact identity; it is believed that he took his name from François-André Danican Philidor. He was thought to be the nephew of the French composer and chess master of the famous Philidor family.
Phylidor reportedly was from the Duchy of Brabant (now part of Belgium and The Netherlands). He was also claimed to be from the neighboring County of Flanders. Phylidor spoke French but may have mastered other languages. He was thought to be German when he came to Paris in 1792.
From 1785 to 1800 Phylidor traveled through Europe as a showman (see below for details). He also (at least occasionally) traded in "physical instruments" and taught some of his tricks to paying customers.
By the time Phylidor came to Berlin in 1789 he was married and had a servant. He probably was a rich man, at least in the early 1790s, wealthy enough to own a carriage and to bribe a high official, but may have lost his fortune later on.
In handbills, newspaper advertisements and announcements Phylidor sometimes claimed the praise of the royalty of several European courts. In 1786 he claimed to have a privilege of the Menus-Plaisirs of the King of France. From Catherine the Great and her court members he reportedly received 1.000 rubels, a gold tobacco box and a brilliant ring as appreciation for his performance of physics experiments in January 1787. He claimed to have gotten praise of the Dresden court for his new show in 1789. At least once he claimed to be of nobility, when he was registered in Regensburg in 1792 as "Herr Baron von Phylidor, Physicus von Wien".
Although perceived as a charlatan and a very mediocre magician by enlightened Berliners in 1789, in the eyes of others he gained the reputation of an extraordinary man with special powers. He reportedly helped a lady who came to him for advice about clothes that had been stolen from her house: Phylidor said he would make the thief very unhappy for the rest of his life, if the clothes were not returned the next day. On Phylidor's request she told this to all her servants and the next morning the clothes were back in place. Phylidor also made a barber believe that he had removed his head to shave himself, secretly using an imitation of his head made out of wax.
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