TRACY, Glen (American, 1883 – 1956). The Ring Master – The Equestrian Director Fred Bradna. 1946. Oil on canvas on original stretcher. Signed and dated lower right. Titled and signed by the artist on verso: “The Ring Master/ Oct. 9 – Nov. 19 – 1946/ Glen Tracy/ The Equestrian Director Fred Bradna.” 42 x 34 ¼”. Slight wear and flaking at center of image. Bradna (1871 – 1955) was equestrian director of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. He worked 42 years with the circus, 29 of them as co-ringmaster with his wife. This portrait was executed two years after the tragic Hartford circus fire at which Bradna was the ringmaster. Nearly 200 people were killed in the fire, but Bradna is remembered for his efforts to maintain order among the panicked crowd. See also Lot 206 for a photograph of Bradna, suggesting he once owned this painting and displayed it in his home.