The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art presents The Amazing American Circus Poster: The Strobridge Lithographing Company an exhibition on view September 17, 2011 – January 29, 2012.
Celebrating our fascinating circus heritage, The Amazing American Circus Poster showcases 80 brilliantly colored, boldly bombastic posters advertising the feature attractions from all corners of the globe and peerless performers of the big top. The Cincinnati-based Strobridge Lithographing Company was one of the country’s leading printers for the circuses. Their posters were unrivaled in their artistry and provide us with a detailed portrait of the American circus in its Golden Age, when it was unrivaled as the premiere entertainment institution in the country.
The Amazing American Circus Poster exhibition was organized by the Cincinnati Art Museum and The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and has been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: “Because democracy demands wisdom.”
Image: Edward Henry Potthast, The Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth. Equestrienne and Clown, The Strobridge Lithographing Company, 1908. Color lithograph poster, one sheet, 38 13/16 x 28 13/16 in.