Untitled
DateFriday, May 29, 1903
Object GeographyTroy, New York, USA, North America
MediumBlack & White Photo Print
DimensionsOverall: 7 3/8 x 9 1/2 in. (18.7 x 24.1 cm)
Image: 7 3/4 x 10 in. (19.7 x 25.4 cm)
Image: 7 3/4 x 10 in. (19.7 x 25.4 cm)
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineTibbals Circus Collection
Object numberht0002739
Before the internet, before television, even before radio, American circuses faced the monumental task of advertising their arrival in a town-a job complicated by the fact that the circus would generally only be in town for one day. The poster was a remarkably effective way of communicating key information to potential customers. Weeks before a show rolled into town, bill posters covered walls, windows, and fences. The bright colors, beautiful artwork, and amazing subjects sparked an excitement that would build until the arrival of the show. From their initial design to the way in which they were hung all over town, circus posters were intended make certain that no one could fail to know that the circus was coming. Today, the high quality of the printing and the beautifully rendered artwork are evidence of the importance of advertising to the American circus.
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