Artwork
Circus, No. 2
Circus, No. 2 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
Overview
Circus, No. 2 is a black‑and‑white print executed by American artist Augustus Peck in 1925. The work is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection and exemplifies the artist’s interest in dynamic composition and graphic contrast.
Subject & Meaning
The image captures a circus scene in which a female performer balances on one leg, arms outstretched, while two male acrobats contort mid‑air above her. The arrangement of the figures suggests a study of movement, balance and the theatrical tension inherent in performance.
Technique & Style
Peck employs bold, simplified lines and a stark chiaroscuro to separate the figures from a background of densely stippled dots that evoke a night sky. The limited palette of black and white heightens the visual impact, emphasizing form over detail.
History & Provenance
Created in the mid‑1920s, the print was later acquired by the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains on view. Its title implies it belongs to a series of circus‑themed works, though the museum’s records list it as a singular entry.
Artist & collection
