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Caricature of P T Barnum and Jumbo the elephant
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Caricature of P T Barnum and Jumbo the elephant
Caricature of Phineas Taylor (PT) Barnum (1810-1891), American showman and businessman, and Jumbo the African elephant which he bought for his circus from London Zoo in 1882. The sale caused public outrage in Britain. " If you take Jumbo, Mr Barnum, and he should revenge himself, don t expect any sympathy from the English people."
1882
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Media ID 14310236
© Terry Parker / Mary Evans Picture Library
1882 Barnum Bought Bryan Businessman Circus Elephant Elephants Entracte Jumbo Outrage Phineas Sale Showman Taylor Trunk Wild
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This caricature depicts the famous American showman Phineas Taylor Barnum (1810-1891) and Jumbo the African elephant, a pair that made headlines in 1882. Barnum, known for his flamboyant personality and innovative entertainment ventures, had made a daring acquisition for his Barnum & Bailey Circus – Jumbo, the largest and most magnificent elephant in the London Zoo. The sale of Jumbo to Barnum caused an uproar in Britain, with many expressing concern for the elephant's welfare and fearing he would be mistreated in the circus. The caption reads, "If you take Jumbo, Mr. Barnum, and he should revenge himself, don't expect any sympathy from the English people." The image, created by the talented Victorian artists Alfred Bryan and Terry Parker, captures the essence of the era's fascination with the exotic and the wild. Barnum, portrayed as a dapper man with a top hat and cane, stands confidently next to Jumbo, who is shown with his powerful trunk raised, as if ready for a fight. The men in the background, with their shocked expressions, represent the public's concern and outrage over the sale. This caricature is a testament to the complex relationship between humans and animals during the 1880s, as well as the power of show business to captivate and divide opinion. The image is a reminder of the intriguing history behind Barnum and Jumbo's partnership and the lasting impact they had on popular culture.
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