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Lot 49
The Adam Forepaugh and Sells Brothers / America’s Greatest Shows United. 1902.
Passed
Est.
$1,400 - $1,700
Live Auction
PAI-LI: Rare Posters
ARTIST
ANONYMOUS
Description
Artist: ANONYMOUS
Size: 29 1/4 x 39 3/8 in./74.4 x 100 cm
Condition: B/ Slight tears at folds & edges.
Printer: Strobridge Litho., Cincinnati
Reference: REF: Phillips VIII, 9; Circus in America, 17 (Var.)

The Adam Forepaugh and Sells Brothers / America’s Greatest Shows United. 1902.
In 1896, James Bailey acquired the Sells Brothers and Adam Forepaugh Shows, eliminating direction competition with his already-famous Barnum & Bailey Circus. It remained, however, a separate entity from Barnum & Bailey until 1907, when the Ringling Brothers would buy the entire enterprise. Here, one of the star draws of any circus is shown: the Principal Rider equestrienne. Part beauty queen and part athlete, she combined grace and poise with wild acrobatics. This exact design had been used to advertise Barnum & Bailey itself eight years prior, proving the lasting appeal of such a charming image.