Acrylic on canvas

This lively painting by Pat Redding Scanlon captures one of the most surprising performers ever seen at Coney Island. In August of 1899, a white Arabian horse named King made his debut at Sea Lion Park. Twice a day, King would dive off a 32-foot platform into the Shooting the Chutes Lagoon, thrilling crowds and becoming a sensation. He later traveled to Atlantic City and London and was sometimes joined by a bathing beauty riding bareback, although King also dove solo.

This artwork bursts with color and motion and feels like it stepped straight out of an old-time sideshow exhibit. It celebrates a wonderful and wild piece of Coney Island history with joy and flair.