A Peek at the Circus
Artist
Ben Messick
(1901 - 1981)
Datec. 1930
MediumWatercolor on paper
Dimensions10 x 12 in. (25.4 x 30.5 cm)
ClassificationsPainting
Credit LineGift of The Hilbert Collection
Object number2020.050
DescriptionVelma Messick once stated that her late husband Ben Messick looked forward each year to when the circus came to the Los Angeles area. When this happened he would take a sketch pad and draw pictures from the time they set up until the time they broke down. This artist was always interested in producing narrative art that captured the look and feel of the circus experience. This work captures a classic scene of a group, taking turns sneaking a peak at the circus festivities inside the tent. This was painted in the middle of the Great Depression when many people, especially young kids did not have enough money to pay the admission price. - Gordon McClelland
On View
Not on view
