Tracy, Glen (American, 1883 – 1956). Circus Scene. The Ring Master – The Equestrian Director Fred Bradna. Signed and dated 1946. Artist’s notation on verso inscribed: “The Ring Master/ Oct. 9 – Nov. 19 – 1946/ Glen Tracy/ The Equestrian Director Fred Bradna.” Oil on canvas over original wooden mounting frame. 42 x 34 ¼”. Fine. 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.