Circus Night
PrintmakerMade by
Martin Lewis
(American, 1881 - 1962)
Date1933
MediumDrypoint and sand ground on wove paper
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width): 11 x 14 13/16in. (27.9 x 37.6cm)
Platemark (height x width): 11 1/8 x 14 15/16in. (28.3 x 37.9cm)
Sheet (height x width): 15 x 19 3/4in. (38.1 x 50.2cm)
ClassificationsGraphics
Credit LineThe Newman S. Hungerford Museum Fund
Object number2003.246.3
DescriptionMen, women, boys, and girls gather in the open space in front of a circus tent with lettering that reads: "TO / THE / CIRCUS / MAIN ENTRANCE / HUNT'S THREE RING / CIRCUS". A boy carries two buckets. A dog is nearby. Some boys appear to be barefoot. A ticket booth is at the left. Barkers and a sideshow are at the right. Signs read: "THE / LITTLE / MARVEL" "T[HE / AST... / HAS A... / CROW... " It is twilight and electric lights around the ticket booth and hanging from a pole cst shadows on the ground. Evergreen trees, probably pine trees or hemlocks, are in the background.
NotesSignature Note: The pencil signature "Martin Lewis" is not in Lewis' hand and was presumably added posthumously. However, the print is a lifetime impression, probably one of six recorded trial proofs. According to McCarron, these are the only unsigned lifetime impressions of a Lewis print. (Finlay 1/23/2004)Subject Note: According to the Newtown Bee of January 19, 1934, the location depicted is in Sandy Hook, the section of Newtown where the Lewises lived. (Finlay 1/23/2004)
Status
Not on view
