On this Barnum & Bailey circus poster, the press agents of 1905 called this thrill act 'a fearful frolic with fate'. Indeed, all acts of this type - whether the performers operated somersaulting autos, rode hurtling bicycles over enormous gaps, or were catapulted from a huge crossbow or shot out of a cannon - were truly daring and dangerous. Learn More
In 1909 Desperado made his terrific descent twice a day, and sometimes three times. The Strobridge artists captured all of the thrill of this unbelievable act on this beautiful Barnum & Bailey circus poster art. Learn More
In 1903 Barnum & Bailey presented an unusually lavish Spectacle of Balkis(the Arabic name of the biblical Queen of Sheba). At this period all the big railroad circuses staged these pantomine productions involving hundreds of beautifully wardrobed people, scores of horses and dozens of elephants, camels, zebras, and llamas. The subject might be Joan of Arc, Cinderella or Nero and the Burning of Rome. All these productions were part of the circus, presented in the big tent. 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 old Barnum & Bailey Circus poster shows six smaller panels with elephant routines and a large illustration in the middle of them of elephants. Learn More
This Ringling Bros. circus poster of the 1900 era, by the Courier Lithograph Company of Buffalo, NY, calls the menagerie an 'Exposition of Natural History', and it was a truly educational extension of the circus. Audiences of the hinterland were especially fascinated by the exotic beasts which they had never seen before. Learn More
