Cyrk Three Basset Hounds R1968 Polish B1 Circus Poster, Cieslewicz

The fabulous and much celebrated Three Basset Hounds Cyrk poster by one of the Masters of the Polish School of Posters, Roman Cieslewicz. In museum collections around the world including MOMA.

The ‘Cyrk” circus poster in Poland appeared for the first time in 1962 when the ZPR (Zjednoczone Przedsiębiorstwa Rozrywkowe, or United Entertainment Enterprises), the state agency that oversaw the circus, commissioned leading artists from the Polish School of Posters to develop a modern approach to the circus poster.

The ZPR wanted a new look for the circus poster to complement the circus’ efforts to upgrade its image. Not intended to advertise specific performances, they, rather, celebrated the essence of the circus through rich artistic expression with designs typically featuring clever metaphors, bold colours and humour. Heavy in symbolism, provocative and highly original the designs remain contemporary to this day and continue to gain appreciation.

Cieslewicz first designed this poster in 1966, this one is an original from its second print run in 1968 and is sized 26 1/2 x 38 3/4 inches. Its in rolled near mint/mint condition. Just tiny wear on bottom right and left edges, little dot top right which appears to be from original printing. It will be sent rolled (unframed).