Print: P. T. Barnum by Leslie Ward for Vanity Fair (owned by the Barnum Museum)
Lithograph print of an older P. T. Barum seated at a table eating dinner. The caricature print was in Vanity Fair's November 16, 1889 issue by Sir... Show moreLithograph print of an older P. T. Barum seated at a table eating dinner. The caricature print was in Vanity Fair's November 16, 1889 issue by Sir Leslie Ward. The illustration shows Barnum wearing a dark suit with a large white napkin tucked into his shirt as a bib, looking down at his dinner plate as he finishes eating a meal. His curly hair is thin, his glasses rest low on his nose, and he has a notable double chin. The date of this print, November 16, 1889, and the scene of Barnum at a table eating, suggests that it was made in conjunction with the November 8, 1889, banquet dinner in England, honoring Barnum. The English incarnation of Vanity Fair ran from 1868 to 1914, and became extremely well known as a society magazine. One of the most distinguishing features of the magazine were the caricatures, usually a full page color lithograph, that appeared in each issue. These caricatures were individuals from all walks of life, from royals to showmen to athletes and beyond. A number of artists became associated with these caricatures, including Sir Leslie Ward who drew about 1,325 cartoons for the publication. The print was produced by Vincent Brooks, Day, & Son, Lithographers. Show less