Ringling Brothers: Kings Of the Show World
Maker
The Strobridge Lithographing Company
(American, 1867 – 1960)
Depicted
Alf. T. Ringling
(American, 1861 – 1919)
Depicted
Al. Ringling
(American, 1852 – 1916)
Depicted
John Ringling
(American, 1866 – 1936)
Depicted
Chas. Ringling
(American, 1864 – 1926)
Depicted
Otto Ringling
(American, 1858 – 1911)
Date1905
MediumInk on paper
Dimensions1 sheet (H): 29 1/4 x 39 3/4 in. (74.3 x 101 cm)
ClassificationsPosters
Credit LineTibbals Circus Collection
Object numberht2001295
The business-like portraits of owners were a critical element in circus marketing and branding as they were intended to boost audience confidence in the honesty of the advertising claims. This poster with the portraits of the five Ringling brothers was designed to illustrate their rise in the show world. In just over twenty years the boys from Baraboo, Wisconsin, became a dominate force in the American circus. The brothers purchased the Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1907 and truly became "Kings of the Show World." The shows continued to travel as separate units until 1919, when they merged into one colossal circus.
On View
Not on viewCollections
The Strobridge Lithographing Company
1900