Al Hirschfeld
New York, New York, New York
Marker Inscription
Al Hirschfeld 1903-2003 20th Century Master of Caricature Residence and Studio In more than 10,000 drawings, Hirschfeld chronicled the celebrity culture of the century. A self-described characterist, his linear calligraphic work of performers, on stage and screen, appeared in virtually every publication, including a 75 year relationship with The New York Times. He claimed his goal was to take the character, created by the playwright and portrayed by the actor, and reinvent it for the reader.
Erected by Historic Landmarks Preservation Center
The Story
For most of the 20th century, Al Hirschfeld distilled the faces of Broadway and Hollywood into a few sinuous, calligraphic lines, hiding his daughter Nina's name in the tangle for readers to find. Working from this New York residence and studio, he produced more than 10,000 drawings that became the visual shorthand of American celebrity culture, including a partnership with The New York Times that spanned some 75 years. He called himself a 'characterist,' aiming to reinvent onstage characters for the page.
Why it matters
Hirschfeld's line drawings shaped how generations of Americans pictured their stage and screen stars, making him one of the defining chroniclers of 20th-century popular culture.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- 81 Leonard Gallery5.5 mi away
- Gerben Fine Art5.5 mi away
- Bureau5.6 mi away · 112 Duane Street
- Hall des Lumières5.7 mi away · 49 Chambers Street, New York, NY
- Cloud Gallery5.8 mi away
- MĒRCER LABS6.0 mi away · 21 Dey Street
Attractions
- The River Project Wetlab5.1 mi away
- Cortlandt Alley5.4 mi away
- FDNY Ladder 85.4 mi away · 14 North Moore Street, New York
- Dream house5.4 mi away
- Chinatown5.4 mi away
- Bloody Angle5.5 mi away
Food & drink
- Maman6.5 mi away
- Sweetgreen6.5 mi away
- Semicolon Cafe6.5 mi away
- Greene Hook Bar & Kitchen6.6 mi away
- Bluestone Lane6.6 mi away
- Rumi Turkish Grill6.6 mi away
Places to stay
- Conrad5.9 mi away · 102 North End Avenue, New York
- M Social Hotel New York Downtown6.0 mi away · 55 Church Street, New York, NY
- Residence Inn New York Downtown Manhattan/World Trade Center Area6.1 mi away · 170 Broadway, New York, NY
- Holiday Inn6.1 mi away · 51 Nassau Street
- The Cloud One New York-Downtown6.1 mi away · 133 Greenwich Street, New York, NY
- World Center Hotel6.1 mi away · 144 Washington Street, New York, NY
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Related people
- · Al Hirschfeld
Themes & tags
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