Under the Big Top – Vintage European Circus Posters.

Leopard – Poster for the Polish Circus
Artist: Hubert Hilscher / Graphis Posters 1973

Cyclists – Poster for the Polish Circus
Artist: Maciej Urbaniec / Gebrauchsgraphik No. 12, 1966

Elephant – Poster for the Polish Circus
Artist: Jan Mlodozeniec / Gebrauchsgraphik No. 12, 1966

Hatted Gentleman – Poster for the Polish Circus
Artist: Waldemar Swierzy / Graphis Posters 1973

Trapeze – Poster for the Polish Circus
Artist: Jan Mlodozeniec / Gebrauchsgraphik No. 12, 1966

Horses – Poster for Circus Knie (Switzerland)
Artist: Hans Erni / Graphis Annual 67/68

Clown – Poster for National Circus Week (France)
Artist: Raymond Savignac / Graphis Annual 68/69

Dogs – Poster for the Polish Circus
Artist: Roman Cieslewicz / Gebrauchsgraphik No. 12, 1966

Chimp – Poster for the Polish Circus
Artist: Wiktor Górka / Graphis Annual 69/70

Clown – Poster for Circus Knie (Switzerland)
Artist: Herbert Leupin / Graphis Annual 57/58

Man & Lion – Poster for Circus Benneweis (Denmark)
Artist: Erick Stockmarr / Gebrauchsgraphik No. 7, 1955
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“CIRCUS, n. A place where horses, ponies and elephants are permitted to see men, women and children acting the fool.” –Ambrose Bierce

Dubbed by Lenin the “people’s art form”, the circus as entertainment has evolved since its violent inception in ancient Rome. Kept alive through history by itinerant showman, as the 20^th century took shape, the modern circus followed suit. A number of countries nationalized their circus, affording a high level of artistry that endures today.

The animal images inspire ambivalence on my part as I firmly feel use of animal acts should remain a thing of past rather than of current day. I do, though, fully appreciate the promise of memorably antic entertainment these vintage posters deftly convey.

[ All images © ]
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See more >> Vintage Circus Illustrations, 1950s-1970s flickr set
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Sandi Vincent grew up in the bay area of California surrounded by mid-century modern architecture and other influences responsible for her affinity for the period and its pop style, including her early exposure to The Monkees, The Avengers and Gerald McBoing-Boing. Sandi now resides in Portland. In her day job at a community foundation, she sports the web/social media/print materials coordinator title.

Follow Sandi on Twitter > @SandiV
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