The Rossow Midgets, Star Speciality Co.

The Rossow Midgets, Star Speciality Co.

The image presented by this poster is intriguing because it combines the more low-brow entertainment of the sideshow with the victorian respectability of glove-boxing. But, as crude of a show as this might seem, or seem to be advertised, it is interesting that all of the audience are an ideal victorian crowd. Even the boxers, are wearing standard boxing clothing. Their only difference is merely size. In a sense, they serve a purpose as miniature. They give a model of the high-class or monied sport to the normal audience, those who go to a sideshow, serving as a bridge.

Added by Ben Kaplow

H.C. Miner Litho. Co.

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

1897

http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2014635920/