Agave Barnumniana Humbugiensis
DraftsmanDrawn by
Croaker Jr.
Dateprobably 1850-1855
MediumLithography; printer's ink and watercolor on wove paper
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width): 9 1/16 x 7 7/8in. (23 x 20cm)
Sheet (height x width): 18 1/8 x 13 1/2in. (46 x 34.3cm)
ClassificationsGraphics
Credit LineGift of Richard D. Hubbard
Object number1860.3.0
DescriptionCaricature of P.T. Barnum as a plant. A plant, shaped like an agave or an aloe, grows in a large round pot. A portrait of a man, P.T. Barnum, is at the top of the central leaf. The leaves are inscribed, from left to right, "ANNIHILATOR" "FEJEE MERMAID" "WOOLY HORSE" "MUSEUM" "JOYCE HEATH" "TOM THUMB" "JENNY LIND" "MAINE LAW". A sketch map on the flower pot is labeled "AMERICA" "EUROPE".
NotesSubject Note: Some of the inscription on the leaves refer to attractions at Barnum's Museum in New York. The "Maine Law" refers to Barnum's support of the Temperance Movement.Status
Not on view
