The Showman - An Extinct Type. - character portrait

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The Showman - An Extinct Type. - character portrait

The Showman - An Extinct Type. - character portrait by Phil May of a barker or the proprietor of a sideshow. A barker is a person who attempts to attract patrons to entertainment events, such as a circus or funfair, by exhorting passing public, describing attractions of show and emphasizing variety, novelty, beauty, or some other feature believed to incite listeners to attend an entertainment. Date: 1893

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Media ID 11574887

© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection

1893 Attraction Barker Carnival Character Circus Entertainer Extinct Garb Outlandish Passing Pathos Phil Proprietor Ringmaster Shorts Showman Sideshow Striped Study Exhorting Inciting Owner

EDITORS COMMENTS
The Showman - An Extinct Type: A Character Portrait of a Bygone Era by Phil May (1864-1903) This evocative charcoal sketch by Phil May, titled "The Showman - An Extinct Type," captures the essence of a bygone era in entertainment history. The image depicts a barker or proprietor of a sideshow, an extinct type of entertainer whose role was to entice and excite the passing public to attend various attractions at a circus, carnival, or fair. The Showman's outlandish costume and top hat are adorned with stripes, a common motif in the garb of the time, adding to his larger-than-life presence. His expressive face, etched with lines of age and experience, exudes a sense of pathos and determination. With a cane in hand and a captivating gaze, he exhorts the public to attend the show, emphasizing its variety, novelty, and beauty. May's masterful use of charcoal creates a sense of depth and texture, bringing the Showman to life in a way that transcends the two-dimensional medium. The sketch is a poignant reminder of a time when entertainers relied on their charisma and storytelling abilities to draw in audiences, before the advent of mass media and commercial advertising. This study, created in 1893, is a testament to the rich history of the entertainment industry and the unique characters that have shaped its past. The Showman's enduring appeal lies in his ability to connect with people on a personal level, a quality that remains timeless and continues to inspire artists and audiences alike.

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