From Chic Silber #4

The Chariot Race #1 (From Eric Beheim)

In 1882 (just two years after the publication of General Lew Wallace’s best-selling novel BEN-HUR: A TALE OF THE CHRIST) Hungarian painter Sandor von Wagner (also known as Alexander von Wagner) painted The Chariot Race, showing the conclusion of a chariot race in the Circus Maximus in Ancient Rome.

The Chariot Race #2

Von Wagner did an expanded version of The Chariot Race for the Chicago World’s Fair of 1893. There, it was seen by thousands of Americans including some who recognized the painting’s value in commercial advertising.

The Chariot Race #3

The name Ben-Hur (which translates as "Son of white linen" in Hebrew) was apparently not copyrighted or trade-marked, since it was used for a variety of commercial products over the years. More often than not, artwork from von Wagner’s The Chariot Race was adapted for use on these products’ labels and/or in their advertising. Beginning with this Ben-Hur Coffee can, here are a few examples.

The Chariot Race #4

This colorful label was pasted onto the sides of the wooden crates that were once used to ship Ben-Hur brand oranges.

The Chariot Race #5

In an interesting variant, the artwork for this orange crate label was adapted from that portion of The Chariot Race that shows Ben-Hur’s arch-rival Messala.

The Chariot Race #6

Messala also made it onto the cover of the sheet music for The Ben-Hur Chariot Race, a piece that was frequently played by theater orchestras and circus bands whenever a lively march was needed.

The Chariot Race #7

Here a portion of The Chariot Race appears on the inter-lid of a box that once held Ben-Hur Cigars . . .

The Chariot Race #8

. . . and on the front of a spice can.

The Chariot Race #9

It even appeared on the curtain of the Forum Theater in Wichita, Kansas, as seen in this old postcard.

The Chariot Race #10

Most of us, however, are familiar with The Chariot Race from its having being adapted for this famous Ringling poster . . .

The Chariot Race #11

. . . and its equally famous variant. This poster, in turn, inspired still another noteworthy variant . . .

The Chariot Race #12

. . . that was painted onto the side of one of the Red Unit trucks for the 1979-1980 109th Edition tour. As seen in this photo taken in San Diego in 1979, it portrays Gunther as Ben-Hur some 97 years after The Chariot Race first appeared. (Von Wagner would have been amazed!)

Mayme Ward

This was taken at the New York World's Fair in 1964. Mayme was in town to appear on "What's My Line" and Chappie asked if "Anna May" could make this pose for a beer sponsor in regard to the Milwaukee parade

From Chic Silber

Flyers #1

Flyers #2

Flyers #3

Flyers #4

Flyers #5