Elephant as a symbol of the circus
Gelatin silver print mounted on board, 9 1/2 x 7 1/2 in. (241 x 190 mm) The Greatest Show on Earth Roland Butler Collection, Press Agent, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus (1930s-1960s) from the Roland Butler Collection, hand stamp on verso.
According to Pliny the Elder: "The elephant is the closest of all animals to humans in intelligence. It understands the language of its own country, and can therefore understand and obey orders. Elephants are wise and just, remember their duties, enjoy affection, and respect religion. They know that their tusks are valuable, so when a tusk falls off they bury it. Elephants are gentle, and do no harm unless provoked."
[The largest land mammal on Earth, elephants embody the African landscape. Using seasonal cues and their long-term memories, these hulking creatures travel vast distances in close-knit herds to find water and food throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Highly intelligent and social animals, they learn most of their behaviors through the leadership of their older relatives, communicating with each other even miles away.] The Center for Biological Diversity.
Condition: Very good +.
Item number: 234
Price: $200.00
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