Object Timeline

1942

  • Work on this object began.

1963

  • We acquired this object.

2015

2019

2025

  • You found it!

Drawing, Design for "The Greatest Show on Earth"

This is a Drawing. It was designed by Edward McKnight Kauffer and made for (as the client) Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. It is dated March 12, 1942 and we acquired it in 1963. Its medium is brush and poster paint on board. It is a part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design department.

This object was donated by Mrs. Edward McKnight Kauffer. It is credited Gift of Mrs. E. McKnight Kauffer.

Its dimensions are

61.2 × 45.5 cm (24 1/8 × 17 15/16 in.)

It is signed

Signed in blue paint, center right: E. McKnight Kauffer

Cite this object as

Drawing, Design for "The Greatest Show on Earth"; Designed by Edward McKnight Kauffer (American, active England, 1890–1954); Client: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey; USA; brush and poster paint on board; 61.2 × 45.5 cm (24 1/8 × 17 15/16 in.); Gift of Mrs. E. McKnight Kauffer; 1963-39-157

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18447313/ |title=Drawing, Design for "The Greatest Show on Earth" |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=15 March 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>