Items Similar to Original (unique) Self portrait drawing
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
Albert Al HirschfeldOriginal (unique) Self portrait drawing1976
1976
About the Item
Al Hirschfeld
Original (unique) Self portrait drawing, 1976
Hand signed ink drawing, on typewritten letter with envelope
Hand signed in Hirschfeld's inimitable signature under the letter
Frame Included
This is an amazing, original 10" x 8" hand signed self portrait done in ink included in a letter that Hirschfeld sends to an executive, Ralph K. Smith, Esq. at Newsweek regarding his famous work "3 Ninas." Hirschfeld writes,
"Dear Mr. Smith,
OOPS. SORRY!!!!! You are absolutely right... There are four Nina's in the drawing and not three as inaccurately described... Your eagle eyes have ferreted out my unconscionable error... I can only plead temporary insanity, natural slovenliness, or the heat... or perhaps a combination of all three... Thanks for calling this error to my attention. I NEEDED THAT!!! "
The letter is framed with its accompanying envelope as well as a clip about Hirschfeld and some clips on the back.
The framed ensemble (letter, envelope, article) measures 19 x 21 inches. The typed letter with unique ink drawing measures 10 x 8 inches.
Absolutely unique and historic!
Albert "Al" Hirschfeld (June 21, 1903 – January 20, 2003) was an American caricaturist best known for his simple black and white portraits of celebrities and Broadway stars. Hirschfeld’s drawings stand as one of the most innovative efforts in establishing the visual language of modern art through caricature in the 20th century. A self described “characterist,” his signature work, defined by a linear calligraphic style, appeared in virtually every major publication of the last nine decades (including a 75-year relationship with The New York Times) as well as numerous book and record covers and 15 US postage stamps. As the New York Times introduced color into its pages, it frequently asked Hirschfeld to supply paintings rather than drawings. Although he has drawn Liza Minnelli nearly twenty times in the last thirty-five years, in limited edition hand signed and numbered color lithograph, based on the painting, he creates a timeless, riveting summation of her style, evoking the lively, colorful caricatures of jazz greats he created for Seventeen magazine in the 1940s. Hirschfeld's work is represented in many public collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the National Portrait Gallery – Smithsonian Institution, and Harvard’s Theater Collection. He drew numerous public figures, including George Harrison, J.F. Kennedy Jr., and Madonna. Hirschfeld authored several books including Manhattan Oases and Show Business is No Business in addition to 10 collections of his work. He was declared a Living Landmark by the New York City Landmarks Commission in 1996 and a Living Legend by the Library of Congress in 2000. The winner of two special Tony Awards for theatrical cartoons, he was given the ultimate Broadway accolade on what would have been his 100th birthday in June 2003. The Martin Beck Theater was renamed the Al Hirschfeld Theater.
Provenance:
Estate of Ralph K. Smith, Esquire on Newsweek
- Creator:Albert Al Hirschfeld (1903 - 2003, American)
- Creation Year:1976
- Dimensions:Height: 19 in (48.26 cm)Width: 21 in (53.34 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:Very good vintage condition.
- Gallery Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1745212819762
Albert Al Hirschfeld
For nearly 70 years, Al Hirschfeld created iconic caricatures of theater, film and television celebrities, capturing moments in time and documenting U.S. entertainment history in the process. Art historian Lloyd Goodrich called Hirschfeld “one of the few masters of graphic humor.” "New York Times" art critic John Russell dubbed him “the Fred Astaire of pen and ink.” Brendan Gill of "The New Yorker" stated, “To be a star on Broadway is to be drawn by Hirschfeld.” And many performers believed that, regardless of any other accolades they might achieve, “if Al Hirschfeld hasn’t drawn you, you don’t exist.” Hirschfeld began his career as a political cartoonist and became a theater caricaturist for "The New York Times" in 1925. He began creating his pure line drawings on a trip to Bali in the 1930s, and, over the course of his career, mastered the technique of using lines to capture the spirit and personality of his subjects. Hidden in each drawing is his daughter’s name, Nina, and so many people became obsessed with finding all of the Nina’s, that he developed a system of noting the number of Nina’s in each work next to his signature. In addition to "The New Yorker" and "The New York Times," Hirschfeld’s drawings appeared on playbills and posters as well as in advertisements. As a result of his work, he earned two Tony awards for lifetime achievement in theater and had a Broadway theater renamed in his honor.
About the Seller
5.0
Platinum Seller
These expertly vetted sellers are 1stDibs' most experienced sellers and are rated highest by our customers.
Established in 2007
1stDibs seller since 2022
291 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: New York, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
More From This SellerView All
- Seated GirlBy Robert Goodnough, 1917-2010Located in New York, NYROBERT GOODNOUGH Seated Girl, 1961 Charcoal Drawing on Paper 23 3/4 × 18 inches Hand signed in charcoal on the front Unframed Unique This is an exquisite, rare poignant early Robert ...Category
1960s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Drawings and Watercolors
MaterialsCharcoal
- Eileen Ford at '21, (Portrait of founder of Ford Modeling Agency at the 21 Club)By LeRoy NeimanLocated in New York, NYLeRoy Neiman Eileen Ford at '21' (Portrait of Eileen Ford), 1978 Original drawing done in marker on original offset lithograph New York's 21 Club menu. Sig...Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Drawings and Watercolors
MaterialsInk, Permanent Marker, Offset, Mixed Media
- Original self-portrait drawing (hand signed and inscribed)By Marina AbramovicLocated in New York, NYMarina Abramovic Original self-portrait drawing (hand signed and inscribed), 2014 Ink drawing held inside hardback monograph, done at the artist's Serpentine Gallery exhibition, han...Category
2010s Contemporary Figurative Drawings and Watercolors
MaterialsInk, Lithograph, Offset
- Original signed & inscribed drawing of a woman (bound in hardback monograph)By Fernando BoteroLocated in New York, NYFernando Botero Original drawing of a woman, 1997 Ink on paper drawing on paper held on first front end page of "Botero" - hardback monograph with dust jacket The unique, original dr...Category
1990s Surrealist Portrait Drawings and Watercolors
MaterialsPermanent Marker, Paper, Ink, Mixed Media, Lithograph, Offset
- For Alice & Bo, Unique drawing of Provincetown Mass. beach, Pop Art figurativeBy Red GroomsLocated in New York, NYRED GROOMS (Untitled), for Alice + Bo, Provincetown 1966 Original ink drawing on paper Signed, inscribed and dated with a dateline of Provincetown on recto. Vintage frame included Th...Category
1960s Pop Art Figurative Drawings and Watercolors
MaterialsInk
- Melany the artist's daughter signed pastel painting with original gallery labelBy Wolf KahnLocated in New York, NYWolf Kahn Melany (The Artist's Daughter), 1970 Pastel on paper painting Hand signed by Wolf Kahn on the front Unique Frame included: newly matted and framed in a museum quality wood ...Category
1970s Modern Portrait Drawings and Watercolors
MaterialsPastel
You May Also Like
- Abstract Houses and Faces Ink Drawing and Watercolor Painting Shtetl JudaicaBy Boris DeutschLocated in Surfside, FLImage size is 11.60" by 9" Boris Deutsch (Lithuanian-American Modernist) was born in Krasnogorsk Lithuania june 4 1892 died in Los Angeles 1978. Entered the polytechnic school in rig...Category
20th Century Modern Portrait Drawings and Watercolors
MaterialsInk, Watercolor
- Argentinian Tango, Mixed Media Abstract ExpressionistLocated in Soquel, CAArgentinian Tango, Mixed Media Abstract Expressionist An abstract portrait in cool pastels accented in vibrant yellow and pink and lined in ink, by California-based artist, Ricardo ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Abstract Drawings a...
MaterialsInk, Watercolor, Paper, Gouache
- Surrealist Portrait Drawing by Philadelphia Artist Leon KellyBy Leon KellyLocated in Philadelphia, PALeon Kelly (American, born France, 1901-1982) Surrealist Portrait Ink on paper, 11 3/4 x 8 3/4 inches; Framed: 21 3/4 x 18 3/4 inches Signed and dated at lower right: "Leon Kelly 19...Category
1950s Surrealist Abstract Drawings and Watercolors
MaterialsPaper, Ink
- Face Explosion 4 (4 of 4 suite) 9x12 inches on paperBy Nina BovassoLocated in New York, NYWhen I begin my explosion paintings these initial marks and forms tend to get buried under the accretion of marks compiled to form the work. In this suite of 4 works I began with a f...Category
2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors
MaterialsArchival Ink, Acrylic, Watercolor, Archival Paper
- Face Explosion 1 (1 of 4 suite) 9x12 inches on paperBy Nina BovassoLocated in New York, NYWhen I begin my explosion paintings these initial marks and forms tend to get buried under the accretion of marks compiled to form the work. In this suite of 4 works I began with a f...Category
2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors
MaterialsArchival Ink, Acrylic, Watercolor, Archival Paper
- Face Explosion 3 (3 of 4 suite) 9x12 inches on paperBy Nina BovassoLocated in New York, NYWhen I begin my explosion paintings these initial marks and forms tend to get buried under the accretion of marks compiled to form the work. In this suite of 4 works I began with a f...Category
2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors
MaterialsArchival Ink, Acrylic, Watercolor, Archival Paper
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Calligraphy Portrait
Paul Jenkins Print
Basketball Art Framed
Toy Box With Key
Arlington Texas
War On Drugs
Jim Sloan
Bird Poster Bed
List Something To Sell
Jackie Kennedy 1960s
The Pictures Are Drawn On Canvas
Lighting New Arrivals
Flowers And Hummingbirds
Man Ray Andy Warhol
Western Bronze And Indian Art
Venetian Grand Canal
Fourteenth Century
Max Bill Edition