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
Even circus elephants became involved in this pageant of Aladdin and his lamp. The colorfully rich dressed participants, majestic horse-drawn floats and richly caparisoned horses fill this glorious Barnum & Bailey circus poster of 1917. Learn More
The elephants, robes, the horses, trappings, the costumes, flags, banners, howdahs and throne all contribute to the sumptuous and colorful splendor of this 1916 Strobridge circus poster. Learn More
Gargantua was the most heavily billed and promoted circus attraction since Barnum's elephant Jumbo in the early 1880s. From 1938, the date of this Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus poster, through 1948, Gargantua traveled from one end of the United States to the other in a huge air-conditioned cage. Learn More
Giraffes were rare zoological features and the inhabitants of the hinterland gazed with awe on these almost incredible creatures. This old Barnum & Bailey circus poster is from 1917. Learn More
