This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/28/2023
HANLON BROTHERS, The. HANLONS’ NEW SUPERBA. “TWO MODERN JONAHS.” Cleveland: J. Morgan & Co. Lith., ca. 1900. Colorful one-sheet stone lithograph bearing an artist’s rendition of two sailors, one with a pegleg, in the belly of a giant black whale, while all manner of sea creatures and fish swirl around the scene. 28 × 42". Old central fold, one loss in left margin replaced, A-. The Only known example of this poster. Published in John A. McKinven’s, The Hanlon Brothers (1998), Plate 7.
This poster advertises one of many versions of the Hanlon’s fantastic pantomime filled with spectacular mechanical theatrical effects and trickery. The production debuted in 1890 and remained on the road for some twenty years. During the off season, the brothers devised and constructed new and novel elements that would be incorporated in next season’s iteration of the show. In the tradition of their other well-known pantomimic productions, the tableaux, specialty acts, and scenery were in a constant state of flux, but the title of the show remained the same.