Elbert McGran Jackson (American, 1896-1962) Circus Parade, The Saturday Evening Post cover, June 16, 1928 Oil on canvas 24-1/4 x 18-1/2 inches (61.6 x 47.0 cm) Signed lower left: EM Jackson Elbert McGran Jackson created over thirty covers for the The Saturday Evening Post. Circus Parade is one of his more notable commissions for the iconic publication highlighting his draftsmanship and understanding of complex composition.  The 1920s were a turning point in the history of circuses in America. For decades, the traveling circus had been an essential part of American life, with towns often shutting down to watch as parades of circus wagons, performers, and animals marched through town, promoting the upcoming shows. But as movies and radio began to compete for people’s leisure time, and economic pressures left smaller circuses struggling, the decade saw the beginning of the decline of this classic American entertainment. Circus Parade captures the glory of the Golden Age of American Circuses with a touch of nostalgic yearning in a moment readers of the magazine knew was bringing swift change. HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved