Print: Portrait of P.T. Barnum for The Folio, by J.H. Bufford's Sons, Boston
1873 (Date manufactured/created)
11 in H
X
8 in W
Print portrait of P. T. Barnum at age 63. The oval, bust-length portrait is a black and white lithograph that was produced for a folio of illustrations in 1873. Barnum's signature is printed diagonally beneath the oval on the righthand side. Barnum, with his thick, curly hair, receding hairline, and strong facial features, looks toward the left. The title beneath the portrait reads: "Drawn and printed expressly for the FOLIO, The Great Illustrated Musical Journal of America, by J. H. Bufford's Sons, Boston."
Phineas Taylor (P. T.) Barnum (July 5, 1810 - April 7, 1891) is primarily remembered for his connection with the Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth. However, Barnum's involvement with the circus began later in his life, when he was in his sixties, and he had a number of partners over the years. His most famous partnership, with James A. Bailey, did not come about until 1887. Prior to his circus enterprises, he was the proprietor of the American Museum in New York City from 1842-1868. Barnum also served in the Connecticut Legislature for four years, and was Mayor of Bridgeport for one term. His multi-faceted career included among many things: newspaper editor, real estate developer and city planner, author, lecturer, promotor, bank president, and investor. He was also a philanthropist, giving generously to many causes. In the late 1840s he realized the value of promoting himself as well as his performers, and he soon became a celebrity in his own right. Among the most famous celebrities he promoted were Gen. Tom Thumb, Swedish soprano Jenny Lind, and the African elephant, Jumbo. His association with Jenny Lind may be the reason for including his portrait in the Great American Musical Journal of America.
Phineas Taylor (P. T.) Barnum (July 5, 1810 - April 7, 1891) is primarily remembered for his connection with the Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth. However, Barnum's involvement with the circus began later in his life, when he was in his sixties, and he had a number of partners over the years. His most famous partnership, with James A. Bailey, did not come about until 1887. Prior to his circus enterprises, he was the proprietor of the American Museum in New York City from 1842-1868. Barnum also served in the Connecticut Legislature for four years, and was Mayor of Bridgeport for one term. His multi-faceted career included among many things: newspaper editor, real estate developer and city planner, author, lecturer, promotor, bank president, and investor. He was also a philanthropist, giving generously to many causes. In the late 1840s he realized the value of promoting himself as well as his performers, and he soon became a celebrity in his own right. Among the most famous celebrities he promoted were Gen. Tom Thumb, Swedish soprano Jenny Lind, and the African elephant, Jumbo. His association with Jenny Lind may be the reason for including his portrait in the Great American Musical Journal of America.
BF 1993.028.001