Ringling Brothers: The Children's Favorite Clown
Maker
The Strobridge Lithographing Company
(American, 1867 – 1960)
Date1917
CultureAmerican
MediumInk on paper
ClassificationPosters
Credit LineTibbals Circus Collection
Object numberht2001374
During the latter part of the nineteenth century, the circus transformed from an adult amusement to a family activity. This change can be seen in the way clowns were represented in advertising and presented during the performance. Here, the poster artist has captured an intimate scene: a clown using a small puppet toy entertains a group of children outside the tent, while two other merrymakers look on from behind the tent's sidewall. The impish mischief makers and devilish pranksters of earlier posters have been replaced by classical whiteface clowns.
On View
Not on viewCollections
The Strobridge Lithographing Company
1920
no date