P. T. Barnum

cassiusmarcelluscoolidge

toned paper

caricature

personal sketchbook

portrait reference

animal drawing portrait

portrait drawing

watercolour illustration

cartoon carciture

portrait art

fine art portrait

This humorous illustration, "P. T. Barnum", was created by American artist Cassius Marcellus Coolidge. Barnum, the famous showman, is depicted in a caricatured style, riding a miniature train labeled "The Greatest Show On Earth". This piece is a satirical representation of Barnum's successful career, emphasizing his larger-than-life personality and the spectacle of his famous circus. The image plays on the popular idiom "Every man rides his own hobby," suggesting that Barnum's life was dedicated to his passion for entertainment.