Al Hirschfeld
Al Hirschfeld
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Al Hirschfeld was born as Alfred Roy Goldfarb on December 21, 1903, in St. Louis, Missouri. He is commonly known by his stage name, Al Hirschfeld.
Birth and Death Dates
Birth: December 21, 1903
Death: January 20, 1997
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Profession: Cartoonist, Illustrator, Stage Designer
Early Life and Background
Al Hirschfeld's interest in art began at an early age. He dropped out of high school in his sophomore year to pursue a career in art. After working as a sign painter and a cartoonist for a local newspaper, he moved to New York City to work on Broadway.
Hirschfeld's father was a struggling tailor, and the family often struggled financially. Despite these challenges, Hirschfeld's mother encouraged his love of art, providing him with materials to draw and paint. He later credited her support as instrumental in developing his talent.
Major Accomplishments
Hirschfeld is best known for his caricatures of Broadway performers, which he drew for the New York Herald Tribune from 1929 until his retirement in 1981. His work was highly regarded for its wit, elegance, and ability to capture the essence of a performer's personality.
Throughout his career, Hirschfeld created over 3,000 caricatures of actors, actresses, and musicians. He also designed sets and costumes for several Broadway shows, including "The Golden Boy" and "Something for Everybody."
Hirschfeld was awarded two Tony Awards for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre and a one-man show of his work, "A Career Spanning 70 Years," opened on Broadway in 1979.
Notable Works or Actions
Some notable works include:
His iconic caricature of Marilyn Monroe, which has become an enduring symbol of Hollywood glamour.
His long-running series of drawings for the New York Herald Tribune, which showcased his unique style and wit.
His work on the sets and costumes for "The Golden Boy" and "Something for Everybody," which demonstrated his versatility as a designer.Impact and Legacy
Al Hirschfeld's impact on American theater and popular culture cannot be overstated. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest cartoonists of all time, and his work continues to inspire artists and designers today.
His legacy extends beyond his own artwork, as he helped establish the caricature as a staple of Broadway culture. His influence can be seen in the work of many other artists, from Jean Carroll to Roz Chast.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Hirschfeld's quotes are often cited because of their wit and insight into the world of theater and art. He is widely remembered for his:
Pithy observations on the human condition, which offer a glimpse into the personalities and quirks of Broadway performers.
Illuminating commentary on the craft of cartooning, which provides valuable lessons for artists and designers.
Timeless appeal as a cultural icon, who continues to inspire new generations of artists and audiences alike.
Quotes by Al Hirschfeld
You know, it’s no accident that the great painters came from areas like Europe where there is a lot of clouds and rain, which begets color and subtle washes of tone. Most great graphic artists come from areas with prevalent sun, where line and shadow are paramount.
Try to distill the character of your subject. Understand how he moves, thinks, acts. It’s difficult to put into words. Consider each drawing as a problem that did not exist before, and then try to solve that problem to the best of your ability. That i what caricature is all about.
We arrived at Penn Station, took the Amsterdam Avenue street car to the end of the line. There was a frame house my mother rented for four dollars a month, and all around it were apple orchards,
You always feel the drawing you are working on is the best you've ever done, ... I am only interested in the present.
When I was about fourteen, my mother took me to see a musical comedy-and that was my first experience in the theater and I was enchanted with it. It transported me to another world-you might say that I was stage-struck. I was mesmerized by the stage.
Try to distill the character of your subject. Understand how he moves, thinks, acts. It's difficult to put into words. Consider each drawing as a problem that did not exist before, and then try to solve that problem to the best of your ability. That i what caricature is all about
I believe everybody is creative, and everybody is talented. I just don't think that everybody is disciplined. I think that's a rare commodity.