Americana giant painting on canvas attributed to Fred Johnson. This monumental painting has two prisoner scenes. There are six metal hooks attached to leather fasteners that are attached to the canvas for easy hanging. Johnson worked for the United States Tent & Awning Co. before and after World War I, producing banners for owners Walter and Charles Driver between 1921 and 1930. This banner has a stamp on the back from Driver Brothers/Walter Driver, Chicago. It has a bright orange border with men in black and white prison uniforms.
Fred G. Johnson (1892-1990) was a prolific sideshow banner artist whose career spanned 65 years. His banner paintings were displayed at the Chicago World's Fair of 1933, called A Century of Progress, and by circuses such as Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey, and Clyde Beatty. He has been called the "Picasso" of circus art.
120" wide, .25" deep, 163" high, including the hooks, the canvas measures about 117" by 160". The lines aren't completely straight, so the measurements are approximate.
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