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8 sheet classic
vintage poster for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, also known as "The Greatest Show on Earth". This specific tiger design poster dates to around 1942 and features the iconic roaring tiger under a full moon, a design created by artist Bill Bailey.
Poster Details
Show: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Combined Shows.
Artwork: The poster features a striking illustration of a tiger's head emerging from tropical foliage.
Date: This specific design was widely used for the 1942 season, though some versions may have a 1944 copyright date.
Historical Context: During this era, the circus traveled by rail and was a massive production. In 1942, special dispensation was given by President Roosevelt for the circus to use the rails despite wartime travel restrictions.
Value/Availability: Reproductions are widely available for a modest price, while original, authenticated posters can fetch hundreds of dollars depending on condition and provenance.
Circus History
The Ringling Bros. purchased the Barnum & Bailey circus in 1907, operating them separately until they merged the two shows in 1919. The circus, which ceased operations in 2017 due to declining attendance and animal rights protests, made a comeback in September 2023 as a reimagined, animal-free show focusing purely on human artistry and acrobatics. |
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