Exterior View of Astley's Amphitheatre
Artistafter
William Capon
(British, 1757 - 1827)
Date1777
CultureEnglish
MediumPrint on paper
ClassificationPrints
Credit LinePossibly a museum purchase
Object numberSN1546.130.10
This wonderful etching depicting the exterior of Philip Astley's riding school around 1777 illustrates that artistic images of circus acts were already critical to building popular enthusiasm for the performance. In addition to the letterpress bills posted along the walls, presumably listing the highlights of the current performance, the large, colorful, hand-painted pictorial banners gave passers-by an idea of the amazing feats to be seen behind those walls.
The image emphasizes that sites of circus and other entertainments are often unique visual spectacles themselves. Whether in permanent structures like Astley’s original amphitheater and other similar buildings constructed throughout Europe or in tented pavilions traveling across countries, circuses have always employed fantastic visual imagery to transform the world around them.
On View
Not on viewSHEET: 5 1/2 x 8 7/8 in. (14 x 22.5 cm)
circa 1855
