Final answer:
A lightning artist captures the audience's attention by drawing quick portraits of famous figures during a performance, creating an engaging and sensory-filled atmosphere.
Step-by-step explanation:
The passage recounts a performance where a lightning artist mesmerized the audience by quickly drawing caricatures and portraits of notable figures. The atmospheric description offers insights into the sensory experiences of the audience, highlighting the intense environment of a crowded and lively hall. As the audience suggests famous individuals for the artist to depict, we are transported into a scene charged with anticipation and engagement, drawing attention to the entertainment practices of the time.