Ringling Bros World's Greatest Shows Circus Poster – Mlle Elena Equestrienne

Description

This stunning original Ringling Bros 'World's Greatest Shows' circus poster features Mlle Elena, billed as 'The Beautiful Graceful Arenic Queen' and 'The Charming Principal Bareback Equestrienne.' The dramatic lithographic artwork showcases Elena performing atop a white horse, flanked by a classic Pierrot clown figure, with vibrant circus imagery bursting from the background — a hallmark of the golden age of American circus advertising art. The poster prominently displays portrait medallions of the famous Ringling Brothers themselves — Alf, Al, John, Otto, and Gus — across the top, making this a rare piece that captures the founding family's legacy. Circus posters from this era were printed by master lithographers and were designed to captivate and thrill audiences, making them among the most collectible examples of American commercial folk art. This piece is presented in a gold frame, ready for display. Ringling Bros posters of this vintage are increasingly rare survivors, as most were discarded after use. This is a genuine piece of American entertainment history that would be a centerpiece of any circus memorabilia, vintage poster, or Americana collection.

Dimensions

W 24" × H 36.5"