Image

John Steuart Curry

Tamara Codona on the Trapeze (Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus)

Description

Maker

John Steuart Curry (American, 1897-1946)

Title

Tamara Codona on the Trapeze (Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus)

Year

1932

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

charcoal

Supports

Dimensions

54.6 x 43.5 cm (21 1/2 x 17 1/8 inches)

Signature / Inscription / Marks

Signed and dated in charcoal, bottom center: "John Steuart Curry/1932." In pencil below that, "21 x 18 Toulara"

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Museum purchase: Gift of Mr. Houghton P. Metcalf, Jr. and the Jesse Metcalf Fund

Object Number

1988.007

Type

Projects & Publications

Articles

Under the Big Top

Frustrated by economic troubles caused by the Great Depression and his crumbling marriage, the American artist John Steuart Curry (1897-1946) sought “a new viewpoint of life,” spending three months in 1932 traveling with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus (1).

Exhibition History

Exhibition History

Circus
Aug 01, 2014 – Feb 22, 2015

Label copy

In this drawing, European aerialist Tamara is hoisted up to the highwire as figures in the audience lean forward in nervous ancipation. She had joined the Flying Codonas, a group of trapeze artists who were stars of the circus world, in 1931. Tamara’s act was particularly dangerous because she performed without a net.

John Steuart Curry spent several months in 1932 traveling with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Fascinated by the strength and bravery of the aerialists, he executed multiple drawings and sketches of the acrobats in action which he later used as studies for paintings and prints.

New Art for Providence
Jul 20, 1990 – Sep 16, 1990

Related Publications

Related Publications

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This object is in copyright

Tombstone

John Steuart Curry (American, 1897-1946)
Tamara Codona on the Trapeze (Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus), 1932
Charcoal on paper
54.6 x 43.5 cm (21 1/2 x 17 1/8 inches)
Museum purchase: Gift of Mr. Houghton P. Metcalf, Jr. and the Jesse Metcalf Fund 1988.007

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