Print: "P. T. Barnum, Proprietor of the American Museum" by Charles Baugniet
Barnum as Foreign Correspondent
1844 (Date manufactured/created)
Print portrait of P. T. Barnum seated at a desk with a quill pen in his right hand, his left arm leaning on the desk surface. He appears to pause and look up from his writing with a knowing smile. About 34 years of age at the time this portrait was made, Barnum was in England in the early part of a three-year tour of Europe, during which he introduced his star performer, "General Tom Thumb" (Charles S. Stratton), to admiring audiences. Barnum was a prolific letter writer, so the image of him writing at a desk is true to character. Barnum is shown wearing a dark cutaway jacket with wide revers (lapels), a sloped shoulder line, and roomy sleeves, as was the fashion of the period. His trousers are a lighter tone. He also wears a dark satin vest, white shirt, and a dark cravat, of silk. His hair is curly at the sides, and his hairline is showing signs of receding. The artist has lightly sketched an elegant set of writing tools in the background, visible behind Barnum's left arm. A border surrounds the image, and the text below the portrait reads "P. T. Barnum, Proprieter of the American Museum, New York." The artist is Charles Baugniet, whose signature appears in the lower righthand corner of the image, with the date 1844. The artist made the portrait by drawing the image on a large smooth stone using very fine crayons; multiple prints were then made from the stone, a technique called lithography. The actual printer is unknown as the name does not appear on the print. Barnum added an inscription in ink in the bottom righthand margin; it reads "as ever thine, P. T. Barnum."
Phineas Taylor (P. T.) Barnum (July 5, 1810 - April 7, 1891) is primarily associated with the Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth, although he only began to focus on the circus in 1871 when 61 years old. He had become famous as the proprietor of the American Museum in New York City, which he owned from 1842 to 1868, and as a showman who made celebrities, including General Tom Thumb, and Swedish soprano, Jenny Lind. Barnum was also an elected representative in the Connecticut General Assembly, mayor of Bridgeport, philanthropist, promoter, newspaper editior, author, lecturer, and investor, among many facets of his life and career. As he became internationally famous and a celebrity in his own right, he began to include portraits of himself in promotional material. Notably, in private portraits and photographs, he often chose to be depicted holding a pen and paper or notebook, suggesting his tireless devotion to his work. He died on April 7, 1891, and is buried at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Phineas Taylor (P. T.) Barnum (July 5, 1810 - April 7, 1891) is primarily associated with the Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth, although he only began to focus on the circus in 1871 when 61 years old. He had become famous as the proprietor of the American Museum in New York City, which he owned from 1842 to 1868, and as a showman who made celebrities, including General Tom Thumb, and Swedish soprano, Jenny Lind. Barnum was also an elected representative in the Connecticut General Assembly, mayor of Bridgeport, philanthropist, promoter, newspaper editior, author, lecturer, and investor, among many facets of his life and career. As he became internationally famous and a celebrity in his own right, he began to include portraits of himself in promotional material. Notably, in private portraits and photographs, he often chose to be depicted holding a pen and paper or notebook, suggesting his tireless devotion to his work. He died on April 7, 1891, and is buried at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
EL 1988.343.001