Poster advertising the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey combined shows featuring performing elephants. The color lithograph depicts 10 elephants in foreground in pyramid formation, some crouched, some standing, a woman in sleeveless pink ballerina-length dress, standing on back of an elephant on right, several more elephants on hind legs in conga line in rear of the circus ring in background, and the ringmaster with whip, red jacket, and white jodhpurs in front center. Paper adhered to linen backing. 32 half-inch grommets around the edges.
In the late 1800s, debates erupted over whether the United States, like its European rivals, should establish and exploit foreign colonies. Meanwhile, circuses crisscrossed the country, tantalizing audiences with performances by the inhabitants of such lands—from elephants and other subdued wild animals to acrobatic troupes. Audiences thrilled at the exotic spectacles that served the world up on a platter—and seemed ripe for the taking.