Circus programme by Harry and Zaeo Wieland dated 1885-86

WIELAND, Harry (H. W.), impresario. Circo Proprietà Zæo. 
 
Florence: Tip. Galletti e Cocci, [1885–1886].
 
Single-sheet illustrated programme/broadside, 240 × 330 mm. Wood-engraved vignettes and composite illustration, the upper portion dominated by a dramatic scene of equestrian and trapeze performance by Zæo (Mme Wieland). Old folds, light toning and handling creases; small edge chips at left; short closed tears at fold intersections and one small internal tear at right; remnants of early mounting on the verso. Overall very good for a working circus programme of this size and age.
 
Printed in Italian this programme lists the acts for the evening performance, including human pyramids, equestrian displays, clowns, acrobats, and, in the second part, Zæo’s featured trapeze and aerial “funambulismo” act, together with pantomime and strongman turns. 
 
Harry Wieland was a German-born circus proprietor active across central and southern Europe in the 1870s–1880s, operating large travelling companies that combined equestrian display, acrobatics, pantomime, and modern aerial work in the manner of contemporary continental circuses rather than the older British fairground tradition. His wife, performing under the single name Zæo, was the star attraction of the enterprise and is here prominently billed with a suite of aerial feats on trapeze and rope, as well as being illustrated in the top left hand corner.