The Circus Left Behind

Circus Manzini, once the greatest circus in Europe, has fallen on hard times and hurriedly left town. In the chaos of departure, its big top has been left bundled in the corner of a semi-derelict engine shed. Also left behind are some of its top artistes, who remain frozen in their final performance positions. Signorina Mimi of the daring high wire, Ninetta the Dancing Mule with her driver Signore Marcello, and Signore Jacquetto and his troupe of grimaldis. A tattered flybill advertising the delights of the circus is still pinned to the wall of the shed, among the increasing layers of grime and graffitti. The old enamel sign is slowly slipping from the grasp of its screws and Circus Manzini will soon be only a memory.

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An Exclusive Giclee Print from an original image by Rachel Cowan
Approved and authenticated by the artist