Gezicht op Circus Ciniselli in Sint-Petersburg c. 1880 - 1900

J. Daziaro captured this image of the Ciniselli Circus in Saint Petersburg, Russia, using photography. The image presents the circus as a monumental building, laden with classical architectural details such as statues, arched windows, and ornate relief sculptures. The cultural references project civic pride through associations with classical antiquity and European high culture. The Ciniselli family, of Italian origin, were prominent circus performers and entrepreneurs, reflecting the internationalization of entertainment during this period. Notably, the architecture suggests the cultural aspirations of Imperial Russia, as well as the importance of spectacle in maintaining social cohesion and imperial power. The construction of such an extravagant circus suggests a society investing in leisure and entertainment, but also controlling it as an institution. Understanding this image requires delving into archives, architectural records, and social histories of entertainment. It helps us realize that the image of the circus is not just a building, but a social and institutional artifact.