Artwork
Circus, No. 1
Circus, No. 1 is a print by Augustus Peck. It dates from 1925 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Circus, No.
About this work
On the left, a person with their arms raised stands next to a shirtless man in a sailor hat, who holds a woman close.
This print shows three figures in a bold, black-and-white scene. On the left, a person with their arms raised stands next to a shirtless man in a sailor hat, who holds a woman close. The woman wears a dotted dress and sits on a curved bench. The background has jagged shapes and a wavy line at the top.
The artist used sharp lines and strong contrasts to make the figures stand out. The sailor’s hat and the woman’s dress pattern add texture to the simple black-and-white design.
Look up Augustus Peck (American, 1906–1975) to see more of his striking work.
Overview
Circus, No. 1 is a 1925 print by American artist Augustus Peck (1906–1975), currently in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts three figures in a dramatic, black-and-white circus scene. A central figure with raised arms stands beside a sailor-hatted man embracing a woman seated on a curved bench, wearing a dotted dress. The interaction and attire suggest a performance or spectacle.
Technique & Style
Peck employed sharp lines, strong contrasts, and jagged background shapes to create visual prominence for the figures. Textural elements, such as the sailor's hat and the woman's dotted dress, add depth to the monochrome design.
History & Provenance
Created in 1925, the work is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, though specific acquisition details are not provided here.
Context
Reflecting the artistic trends of its time, Circus, No. 1 combines elements of modernity with the allure of circus culture, popular in the 1920s.
Legacy
As part of Augustus Peck's oeuvre, Circus, No. 1 contributes to the artist's reputation for striking, compositionally strong works, though its individual impact on broader art historical narratives is not prominently noted.
Artist & collection
