Arturo de Ascanio
Encyclopedia
Arturo de Ascanio is considered the father of Spanish card magic, referred to by Milbourne Christopher
as "the Dai Vernon
of Spain".
Maestro Ascanio (as he was called by contemporary magician Juan Tamariz
) was born Arturo de Ascanio y Navaz in the Canary Islands. He is famous for adding many theories, techniques and tricks to the breadth of card magic. He died in Madrid.
, Ascanio himself gave the technique the more modest title of "The Wiggle.") Along with this came several variations the spread and several methods of laying cards onto a table from the spread in such a way as to hide their true quantity.
Milbourne Christopher
Milbourne Christopher was an American illusionist.President of the Society of American Magicians, an honorary vice-president to the Magic Circle, and one of the founding members of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, Christopher authored several books, including a biography of Harry Houdini, and...
as "the Dai Vernon
Dai Vernon
Dai Vernon , aka The Professor, was a Canadian magician. His expert sleight-of-hand technique and extensive knowledge garnered him respect among fellow magicians. His influence was considerable in the magic world, and he was a mentor to numerous famous magicians...
of Spain".
Maestro Ascanio (as he was called by contemporary magician Juan Tamariz
Juan Tamariz
Juan Tamariz-Martel Negrón is a Spanish magician.He is an experienced cardician, a magician specializing in magic with playing cards, and well respected by his peers as an authority in the field of misdirection...
) was born Arturo de Ascanio y Navaz in the Canary Islands. He is famous for adding many theories, techniques and tricks to the breadth of card magic. He died in Madrid.
Theories of Magic
Ascanio placed great importance on the idea of naturalness, nonchalance, and slowness of action. He believed that any hurried, or unnatural looking actions would destroy the magical atmosphere.Techniques
Ascanio is most famous for a technique called the "Ascanio Spread" (this name was given by Fred KapsFred Kaps
Fred Kaps , was a Dutch magician, famous for being the only magician to become FISM Grand Prix world champion three times. He was the creator of numerous original effects including his version of the color-changing silks. Another popular effect he often performed was the Long Pour Salt trick...
, Ascanio himself gave the technique the more modest title of "The Wiggle.") Along with this came several variations the spread and several methods of laying cards onto a table from the spread in such a way as to hide their true quantity.