Circus Photographs
Starting in the 1860's photographs of circus performers were made to be sold to the public. Most of these were of performers in sideshows. These early images were generally small and were called Cartes de Visite's(Calling card in French).
The first two charming women are Circassian ladies. P.T. Barnum began first with the exhibition of Zaluma Agra in the 1860's. She was supposed to have been freed from a harem in the Middle East by Barnum's agents. In reality, Barnum's lady was from the United States. But no matter, she drew quite a crowd in her day. A fair number of imitations of his were exhibited shortly after.
The third lady is unidentified. The snake is drawn on the negative. The effect is there, but the snake isn't.
Zaluma Agra, Star of the East
Photographer unknown, ca.1860
Zoe Meileke
Photograph by J. Wood, NY, ca.1870
Snake Handler
Photograph by Lord's Gallery, NY, ca.1870
Copyright 1998
Rupert Wenzel
Commercial House Ephemera
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