Matted and ready to pop into a standard frame: This interesting 8" x 10" photo print is from an original photo known to be from c.1923 depicting Johann Aasen, a circus performer from the Al G. Barnes Amusement Co., full-length portrait, standing, facing front, holding a dwarf in each hand This is all the information we have on this image. This would be wonderful displayed in your Carnival-Circus Memorabilia Collection...

===========================================
Johann Aasen was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1890 and was of Norwegian heritage. He was with the Al G. Barnes circus in 1923. He was known as "The Motion Picture Giant" because he appeared in a total of 7 movies, but only one was a talkie. Unfortunately, John had mental health problems and was admitted to the Mendocino, California State hospital in 1937. He passed away there August 1st, 1938.

Al G. Barnes Obituary tells some of the history of his circus (White Tops Circus Magazine - September, 1931):

The well-known circus owner of the Pacific coast, Al G. Barnes, died July 25, at his ranch in Indio, California. He was 68 years of age. He had been ill for most of the past year, pneumonia and complications being given as the cause.

His right name was Alpheus George Barnes Stonehouse. He was born in Lobo, Ontario, Canada, September 1, 1862. He was married three times and is survived by all three, Mrs. Dollie Barnes, Mrs. Jane Barnes, and Mrs. Margaret Goldsboro Barnes who at his death was at his bedside, he having married her last December. Two daughters and a son by his second wife also survive. He also has a sister, Mrs. Lydia Bishop.

His circus career was spectacular. He built up a well known circus and wild animals show in which he introduced no few novelties and original stunts, many of which are now incorporated in other shows. With Dolly Barlow, who later became his first wife, he started a small wagon show in Glenwood Springs, Calif., in 1895. A pony and picture machine, then new, featured that show. His boyhood was spent on a farm.

He built it up to as large as a thirty car railroad show. For the most part he always operated in the West but ten or so years ago he ventured across the Mississippi River and played the East.

In January, 1929, he sold out to the American Circus Corporation. In September that year they in turn included the Barnes circus with the others that they sold to John Ringling. Ringling now operates the Barnes title. Barnes took part in his own shows up to the time he sold out. He appeared in opening on "Tusko", the huge elephant he featured.
==========================================

This wonderful reproduction of the original printed graphic is crisply printed on matte finish heavy photo paper. This piece includes a white acid-free matte and is ready to be popped into a standard 11" x 14" frame, which can be bought anywhere locally. Graphic area fits the 8" x 10" opening of the matte.

Image included here is low-quality for quick loading on the net with a watermark across, which will not be on your print.

Makes a terrific gift for the collector or an addition to your collection!

Keywords: memorabilia collecting collectibles antiques collectable collectables patents print prints 1900s vintage collecting dealers merchandise artwork for sale cool vintage antique buy shopping print prints shop dealer antique collectible circuses carnivals giants midgets dwarves side shows freaks freak