Barnum, P. T. | "Three Dozen Reasons Among Thirty-Six Thousand" to visit Barnum's fair

Barnum, P. T.
A group of broadsides and printed works, [ca. 1853–1872]

Barnum's American Museum ... Swiss Bearded Lady Madame Josephine Fortune Clofullia. Np, [1853]. Letterpress playbill (560 x 210 mm). Printed recto and verso, large engraved portrait of Clofullia to center of recto, verso listing plays and performances; long closed tear to center repaired with tape, old folds, chips to head and right margin, dampstain to foot, stray spots. — Barnum's American Museum ... Mr. White, the celebrated Lion King. New York: M.B. Wynkoop, 1855. Letterpress playbill (605 x 235 mm). Printed recto and verso, large woodcut depicting lions and Mr. White to recto, advertisement for "Still Waters Run Deep" to verso; two internal open tears, two closed tears, a few small marginal tears repaired with tape, creases, dampstaining. — P.T. Barnum, Colonel Wood. National Baby Show ... Diploma. New York: J.A. Goater, 1855. Printed diploma (214 x 280 mm). Lithographic border depicting Jesus, Moses, and Samuel, signed by Barnum, with recipient "George Washington Van Zandt" also in Barnum's hand; tears crudely repaired with tape on verso but with no loss, browning from tape, spots. — Baschik, Anton Kratky, P.T. Barnum. Another Evening with Barnum and Professor Baschik. Leicester: T. Cook, [1859?]. Letterpress playbill (450 x 192 mm). Printed in black on green paper, large woodcut vignette depicting Baschik to foot; old folds, rubbed, some chips to margins. Mounted on a sheet of paper. — Barnum's Aquarial Gardens. Boston: J.H. & F.F. Farwell, 1862. Printed two-column handbill (255 x 128 mm). Folded leaf, printed on one half of recto, one column a printed letter signed by Barnum, the other being a handbill ruled in decorative border; two old folds, some offsetting. — P.T. Barnum's Lecture Entertainment ... Pine's Hall. Poughkeepsie: Daily Press Print, [ca. 1862]. Letterpress handbill (322 x 143 mm). Printed on thin, tissue-like paper; a few creases, small hole from rubbing, five pinholes. — Three Dozen Reasons Among Thirty-Six Thousand ... P.T. Barnum's Great Traveling World's Fair. New York: Torrey Brothers, [ca. 1872]. Printed playbill (668 x 232 mm). Printed recto and verso, large engraved portrait to head of recto, six engraved vignettes depicting circus attractions to left margin of recto, date and location stamped in red on verso; four chips to left margin, slightly affecting text and one vignette, two stains to foot, some browning.

Each of these feature handsome typography and engravings, advertising a wide range of Barnum's exhibits. The diploma was awarded to a George Washington Van Zandt at P.T. Barnum and Colonel Wood's National Baby Show—one of the American Museum's most popular competitions. His first "baby show in June 1855 attracted more than 60,000 patrons eager to view the 143 contestants who were to be judged 'especially on the crowning merit of their being genuine original American stock'" ("The Baby Show Exhibit"). These became a national sensation, yet were met with intense criticism—many were revolted at mothers and children being used for entertainment.

Among the bolder playbills is a more modest one, advertising his Aquarial Gardens. After stressing that the fish may not survive long, Barnum demurely states: "Under these circumstances, I trust you will not consider me presumptuous in respectfully calling your attention to what I am sure you will pronounce one of the most lovely and charming exhibitions ever seen in this city. Your obedient servant, [PT Barnum]."

Sold as group lot, not subject to return.

REFERENCE:
"The Baby Show Exhibit," The Lost Museum, The Graduate Center, City University of New York

Condition Report:
Condition as described in catalogue entry.

In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
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