Barnum & Bailey: Thauma
Maker
The Strobridge Lithographing Company
(American, 1867 – 1960)
Date1889
MediumInk on paper
Dimensions1 sheet (V): 40 x 30 in. (101.6 x 76.2 cm)
ClassificationsPosters
Credit LineTibbals Circus Collection
Object numberht2000058
Meaning magic in Greek, Thauma was an illusion featuring a woman, whose torso appeared to end at her waist. In reality, the performer wore a dummy waistline attached to her bodice as she lay on an incline board covered with black drapes not depicted. Carefully positioned lights prevented spectators from seeing the illusion.
On View
Not on view
The Strobridge Lithographing Company
1898
