Lithographic poster in colors, circa 1920, The Donaldson Litho. Co., Newport, KY, linen backed, unframed.

Sheet Size 27 3/4 x 41 3/4 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.

A number of highly popular western shows toured the South and the Midwest in the early 20th century, and legendary outlaw Jesse James was the most popular character in these dramatized productions. Thrilling, dangerous, and rough-and-tumble scenes appealed to audiences's romanticized notions of the "Wild West" of the late 19th century.

Condition A-/B+: some repaired tears and loss; toning and some stains. Professionally restored and linen backed.