Etching on wove paper
USA, 1982
Al Hirschfeld (1903-2003) – American caricaturist
Signed in pencil lower right ‘HIRSCHFELD’
Numbered in pencil lower left ’131/150’
With ‘ES’ blindstamp lower right
Published by George J. Goodstadt, Inc., New York
Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed, numbered and dated by the publisher, George J. Goodstadt
Full margins with deckled edges
Plate dimensions: 12 ½ x 10 in. (31.8 x 25.4 cm.)
Sheet dimensions: 20 ¼ x 15 in. (51.4 x 38.1 cm.)
Very good condition

Effervescent and compelling, this caricature of famed dancer, singer and actress Josephine Baker captures the star’s bold stage personality. Known in Europe for her erotic dances, unique fashion, and exotic performances, Baker became a muse to a plethora of authors and artists including Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Pablo Picasso and Christian Dior. At one point the highest paid entertainer in Europe, Baker first found success on the stages of Paris in “La Revue Nègre” and “La Folie du Jour” before starring in two movies.

Executed in 1982, this etching on wove paper is signed and numbered one hundred and thirty one from an edition of one hundred and fifty. With ‘ES’ blindstamp lower right, the work was published by George J. Goodstadt, Inc. This lot is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed by the publisher. With full margins, the sheet measures 20 ¼ x 15 inches. Soft handling crease lower center margin, not affecting the image; very slight yellowing to paper otherwise in good condition with no evidence of tears or repairs.

Al Hirschfeld (American, 1903-2003)

Best known for his black and white portraits of celebrities and Broadway stars, caricaturist Al Hirschfeld’s work has appeared in almost every major publication of the twentieth century, including a seventy-five year relationship with The New York Times. Starting art lessons at the age of 12, Hirschfeld saw his first Broadway play in 1926. The sketch he made during this show appeared on the front page of The New York Herald Tribune. This spurred a career that spanned the rest of the twentieth century as he captured the vivid personalities of the theater in his linear calligraphic style. His works can be found in numerous public collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, the St. Louis Art Museum, and the National Portrait Gallery, London. The winner of two Tony Awards, Hirschfeld was also honored with the Medal of Arts from the National Endowment of the Arts, and had a Broadway theater named after him.