When he was a young man, the artist Camille Bombois traveled as a strongman and wrestler in the circus. This painting shows us the moment just before the performers go on stage; some are peeking at the crowd through an opening in the curtain. How do you think the performers are feeling? Look for props and animals that give clues about the acts that will be performed. Which one would you be most excited to watch?
Kids label from 2021
We have identified these works in the following photos from our exhibition history.
Masters of Popular Painting: Modern Primitives of Europe and America
Apr 27–Jul 24, 1938
Masters of Popular Painting: Modern Primitives of Europe and America
Apr 27–Jul 24, 1938
Modern Primitives: Artists of the People
Oct 21, 1941–Apr 30, 1944
2 other works identified
Children's Holiday Circus of Modern Art
Dec 8, 1943–Jan 3, 1944
The Museum Collection of Painting and Sculpture
Jun 20, 1945–Feb 13, 1946
1 other work identified
Human Quality in Creative Experience
Mar 20–Apr 20, 1952
1 other work identified
XXVth Anniversary Exhibition: Paintings from the Museum Collection
Oct 19, 1954–Feb 6, 1955
3 other works identified
513: The New Spirit in Paris
Ongoing
12 other works identified
513: The New Spirit in Paris
Ongoing
10 other works identified
513: The New Spirit in Paris
Ongoing
12 other works identified
513: The New Spirit in Paris
Ongoing
8 other works identified
In 2018–19, MoMA collaborated with Google Arts & Culture Lab on a project using machine learning to identify artworks in installation photos. That project has concluded, and works are now being identified by MoMA staff.
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This work is included in the Provenance Research Project, which investigates the ownership history of works in MoMA's collection.
Madame E. Hostettler, Bern. By 1938
Galerie Bing, Paris (Henri Bing), agent. 1939
The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Purchased from Madame Hostettler through Galerie Bing, 1940
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The Museum of Modern Art
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