A Real-Photo postcard of renowned Jewish stunt artist Sigmund Breitbart, "The Most Powerful Man in the World". Lubeck (Germany), early 20th century.
Sigmund Breitbart [1893-1925], also known by the nickname 'Zisha', a circus artist, A great hero of Jewish-Polish folklore. Famous for his immense power which earned him the title of "Most Powerful Man in the World" and "Iron King" (in German: Eisenkönig) during the 1920s. In his performances all over Europe he showed how he was able to twist thick iron beams, bite through steel chains, pull heavy carts with his teeth, and nail nails with his hands only. He used to appear before Jewish audiences wrapped in a blue-and-white robe with a Star of David and once declared that his life's purpose was to protect Jewish dignity.
Breitbart became a symbol and source of pride for Polish Jews, including Diaspora Jews. When he came to Jewish towns, all the townspeople in the square would gather to his honor. In a newspaper interview, a Jewish boy said Breitbart had "given us new courage (in the face of anti-Semitism)" while a non-Jewish Polish complained that the Jews "were getting bolder since Breitbart arrived in the town".Breitbart used to threaten the haters of the Jews: "If I see anti-Semitism, I give him a warning, and if he continues then I break it in half - like a match". He planned to perform a series of shows in Eretz Yisrael to inspire and brave the Jews in the country, but he died before he could do so.
Breitbart died eight weeks after accidentally injuring himself during a show in Germany. He was stabbed in the leg by the tip of an iron peg as he pushed it into twelve-and-a-half-inch wooden planks. The wound became contaminated and caused blood poisoning. Although he underwent ten surgeries and was severely injured, he died of his wounds on October 12, 1925.
9x14 cm. Not sent by mail. Very good condition.
