Lithographic poster in colors, early 20th century, The Donaldson Litho. Co., Newport, KY, on three sheets, linen backed, unframed.

Sheet Size 88 3/4 x 40 1/2 in.

Vintage Circus Posters, Estate of B. Thomas M. Smith, Sr., Petersburg, Virginia . Smith established this extensive collection of circus and theater posters over the course of 40 years, between 1936 and the early 1970s. Portions of his collection are now held by the Ringling Circus Museum, Sarasota, Florida and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture, Washington, DC.

One of the hallmarks of vintage advertising posters are their large size, which enabled easy viewing as people passed. The designer of this circus poster took scale to grander heights and used vertical orientation as a way to emphasize the vibrant, playful nature of the dog performers and showcase their lively tricks. In addition to its extremely large size, this poster is exceptional because it highlights acrobatic dogs whereas many circus posters promote the more typical big-top fixtures such as clowns, elephants, lions, and human acrobats.

Condition B+: Some repaired tears an small pieces of loss at edges; few foxing marks. Professionally restored and linen backed.