This 1896 circus poster depicts the big combined show of 'The Adam Forepaugh Show' and the 'Sells Brothers Big Show'. Both the artwork and the insistent text of this Strobridge poster of 1896 emphasize the bigness of the show. The thousands of circus-bound people pouring out of the excursion trains clinch the effect. Learn More
Although the daily street parade was in itself an advertisement that let the townspeople know for sure that it was circus day, the big shows used posters that advertised the advertisement! This Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth circus poster is from 1912. Learn More
Only a circus could promise, all on one poster, a Moorish Caravan, a Roman Hippodrome, and an Imperial Japanese Troupe. All this conjured up the intrigue, pomp and astounding tricks that would be seen at the big show. Sells Brothers 3 Ring Circus Poster, 1893. Learn More
Seven scenes of beautiful horses and handsomely attired performers, neatly put together on one 1906 poster by the Strobridge artists, tell the whole story at a glance. Part of the Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth. Learn More
The wreath effectively sets off the formal group portrait of the equestrian family, and the shield below adds impact to their names. The scenes of the family in action are so vivid that only 12 words are needed to describe the act. This is a Barnum & Bailey circus poster from 1909. Learn More
Barnum & Bailey played the entire season of 1902 in France. For this tour, posters like this Strobridge one were printed in America and shipped to the circus advertising department in France. Translation of the text: 'For the children: all kinds of tricks by trained animals. The largest and most wonderful entertainment organization in the world.' 1902 Barnum & Bailey Circus Poster in French. Learn More
This 1920s Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus poster illustrates bears wire walking, stilt walking, riding bicycles, skating, dancing and playing instruments. Learn More
This 1918-1919 circus poster was designed to announce the historic union of the Ringling Bros. Circus with that of the Barnum & Bailey in the winter of 1918/1919. Learn More
This 1940's Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey circus poster shows a snarling leopard and was used up to the 1970s, with only changes in lettering style. Learn More
The slogans '100 Clowns - Count 'Em - 100' and 'An Army of Clowns' as on this poster of the 1920's, were commonly used to emphasize an important facet of any circus performance. Hagenbeck-Wallace Trained Wild Animals Circus with a bunch of crazy circus clowns with mohawks, spiked hair, and every sort of clown you could imagine...pretty cool poster! Learn More
