The true identity of “Medusa” has been lost to time. It’s possible she was a performer who held her breath underwater while wearing a decorative tail, or perhaps she had a condition known as ichthyosis, which gave her skin a scaly appearance. Even yet, she may have been a creative interpretation of the “Fiji mermaid,” a sideshow taxidermy gaff that was half-fish, half-monkey.
Believe It or Not!, this vintage design was used to promote sideshow and carnival curiosities featured at Robert Ripley’s earliest museums, or “Odditoriums,” such as those at the New York and Chicago World’s Fairs. Order your replica poster in a size that works for you and your space! Each print is on museum-quality, matte paper.
