Albert Al Hirschfeld
Original (unique) Self portrait drawing
1976

Name: Original (unique) Self portrait drawing
Brand: Albert Al Hirschfeld
Price: 5500 USD
Availability: InStock

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:

Ink

Movement & Style:

Modern

Period:

1970-1979