Designed in the golden age of spectacle and live entertainment, this poster likely promoted a vaudeville act, sideshow attraction, or variety performance that blurred the line between man and beast—possibly involving a performer in disguise or an animal with human-like intelligence and behavior. Such themes were hugely popular in the interwar years, when audiences were fascinated by the exotic, the uncanny, and the boundaries of human identity.
At the center of the composition is a large, expressive chimpanzee perched playfully on a tree, silhouetted against a deep blue background with palm fronds above and a tropical horizon below. The monkey's wide, knowing grin and forward gaze seem almost human—reinforcing the ambiguity suggested by the caption. The bold Art Deco typography and duotone color scheme are typical of the era, using simple yet powerful graphic contrast to command attention.
This piece is a perfect example of how commercial graphics could engage viewers with humor, mystery, and a touch of the surreal. It remains a compelling collectible for lovers of early advertising, performing arts history, and vintage graphic design.
Cirque - Animals - United States
Harford Paris
Good condition, a tear at the bottom, a lack in the margin
Sign up & benefit from discounts or exclusive offers.