Howard Koslow: Circus Elephant

Artist: Howard Koslow
1924 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1992
Image Size: 12 by 14 inches
Overall Size: 17.5 by 20.125 inches
Medium: Acrylic on Cold Press Illustration Board

"Hold your horses, here come the elephants!" This familiar cry signaled the start of the fabulous circus parade. Although cavorting clowns, prancing horses and blaring trumpets entertained the spectators, perhaps the most awe-inspiring attraction was the promenade of elephants. Lumbering two-by-two, linked by trunk and tail, these massive creatures slowly made their way down crowd-lined streets. Often turbaned "mahouts" -- Asian elephant trainers -- added to the animals' mystique as the exotic herds paraded along the route. The Grand Cortege revealed just a glimmer of what was to come. For the real show was under the big top, and there was still much to be done before showtime. In the early days of the circus, elephants played an integral part in setting up the "tent city." Their tremendous strength was a valuable asset that was employed at each stop. The harnessed pachyderms strained against heavy chains connected to the center kingpole. Their herculean efforts would eventually pull the pole and its bale rings into position as the tent began to take shape. Caring for the elephants was a huge task, but often a young circus fan would lend a hand. An industrious child could earn a free pass by hauling water to the thirsty creatures, though just being close to such a great curiosity was probably payment enough. "To see the elephant," a common 19th-century expression connoting sophistication and a vast knowledge of life, sums up the magnitude of this enormous creature's effect on its devoted public.

This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover of the 29¢ Elephant stamp issued April 6, 1993. 470

Artwork Copyright © 1992 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB14173

US$ Price: Reg. $2,750.00 Today $1,375.00

Easy Purchase Plan: Buy this ArtworkOriginal with 8 monthly payments. Payments will be charged automatically as due to your Credit Card.

How to buy Original Artwork:

If you would like to buy Original Artwork, there are several convenient ways:

Use The Artwork Gallery: simply click the "Hang in Gallery" for pictures of interest. This puts the picture in your Personal Artwork Gallery, where you can view or remove it. When you've finished hanging artwork in your Personal Artwork Gallery, Go to your Personal Artwork Gallery and select an option for contacting us or ordering from us from there.

To get in touch with us directly about a piece of Artwork by Phone note the SKU and dial TOLL FREE 1-800-287-4079 from throughout U.S. and Canada.