In the days of the big tented circuses, the hippodrome races, usually reserved for the finale, were especially exciting. The furiously thundering hooves of the galloping horses would bring the entire audience to their feet. The original circus poster was created for Sells Brothers Circus by Strobridge artists in the 1890's. Learn More
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
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
To emphasize the marble-statue appearance of the two performers, the artists used a black background, although black was a color rarely found to any extent on circus posters. This Adam Forepaugh circus poster, created by Strobridge artists, dates to the 1890s. Learn More
This highly animated Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey circus poster gains additional interest from the female driver of the foreground quadriga. This is from the 1930s. Learn More
Vintage circus posters devoted to a single clown act were not at all common. These seven scenes introduce an outstanding team of the day. A neat little touch shows Carroll in makeup painting his own portrait. This is a Strobridge circus poster from 1893. Learn More
Although the nursery-rhyme floats are the center of interest in this Sells Bros. 3 Ring Circus poster of 1893, the artists also included a broadside view of the main tent. This added feature immediately indicates that this circus is a big one. Learn More
Fine horses are among the mainstays of any circus. To promenade the prancing beauties in one huge column around the hippodrome track created a great spectacle. The artists of this 1897 Barnum & Bailey circus poster caught all of the feel of this grand march. Learn More
This Barnum & Bailey circus poster from 1894 shows the customs of exotic nations ? dances, instruments, attire and dwellings. This was sometimes part of the educational display in the menagerie tents of the big railroad circuses. Learn More
Portraits of the owners were used profusely on circus posters to give the townspeople a feeling of confidence in the show they were about to see. Poster contains nice illustrations of acrobatic circus acts. This Barnum & Bailey circus poster dates to the 1890s. Learn More
