Siamese Twins Chang & Eng Exhibited to the Public in Amsterdam in 1836

Wetenswaardige bijzonderheden omtrent de Siamesche tweeling-broeders Chang en Eng. [Amsterdam], [1836]. 8vo. [2], 6 pp. With a lithographed portrait (22 x 15 cm) by "R[uurt]. de Vries Jr.".

Chang and Eng Bunker (1811–1874), born in Siam (modern-day Thailand), were brought to the United States in 1829, where they adopted the American surname Bunker. Initially exhibited as exotic “freaks,” the conjoined twins toured extensively across America. Dissatisfied with their management, they struck out on their own after a few years, launching independent tours throughout America and Europe. This venture brought them both fame and considerable wealth.

By 1839, having established themselves as successful businessmen, Chang and Eng retired from touring and settled in North Carolina, where they married sisters Adelaide and Sarah Yates and started families. However, the American Civil War dealt a significant blow to their fortunes, prompting them to resume touring in 1860 under the management of the legendary showman P.T. Barnum. They continued performing intermittently until their deaths in 1874 at the age of 62, leaving behind a remarkable legacy, including 21 children and two devoted spouses.

The Dutch pitch book shown above was published during their European tour of 1835–36. It details their visits to Paris, Brussels, Antwerp, Rotterdam, and The Hague before arriving in Amsterdam. Advertisements in the Algemeen Handelsblad from May 31 to June 13, 1836, reveal that the twins were exhibited to the public at the club Tecum Habita, located at Herengracht 248, from June 3 to June 14. Admission was set at 75 cents—a significant sum at the time.

The portrait, created by Amsterdam lithographer Ruurt de Vries Jr. (1813–1874), depicts Chang and Eng at around 25 years of age. Curiously, it misidentifies them as “Chang & Eng” instead of “Eng & Chang.” The twins are shown dressed in Western attire, with one holding a book—an emblem of their education and refinement, challenging stereotypes of their time.

This historical artifact offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of these extraordinary individuals, whose story continues to captivate audiences today.

References: Catalogus der Bibliotheek van het Koninklijk Zoölogisch Genootschap, Natura Artis Magistra (1899), 2353; Algemeen Handelsblad (1836), May 31-June 13; Orser, The Lives of Chang & Eng, pp. 73-74.