Backstage and Backlot with Hirschfeld

A rare exhibition of original art by the legendary caricaturist and illustrator Al Hirschfeld, presented by the Al Hirschfeld Foundation and Stuart Ng Books.

The exhibition is open to the public in our Second Floor Gallery space!

The pieces are available online here.

This exhibition of Hirschfeld originals features illustrations of Broadway and Hollywood behind the scenes: stages, sets, auditions, rehearsals, and the offstage, offscreen players as well as the actors and actresses on the marquees.

Broadway was Hirschfeld's beat. And it’s clear from all of his work that he loved it. The flops just as much as the hits. For his illustrations to be timely, he often started the illustration before the reviews came out. He saw the plays in rehearsals and tryouts, when the sets were being built and the whole production was still full of potential.

Hirschfeld also made frequent excursions to Hollywood at the behest of the movie studios. They knew that certain newspapers and periodicals would run a Hirschfeld illustration regardless of the subject matter. It was also a matter of prestige to be drawn by Hirschfeld. Once again, he was visiting the sets and soundstages, not viewing a cut of the film.

From time to time, he incorporated these backstage elements into his illustrations. Fans of stagecraft and filmmaking, the magic of Broadway and Hollywood, will have a particular affinity for these illustrations.

The exhibit runs through Nov. 30th. The second floor gallery will be open--like the rest of our store--from 11am to 6pm daily.

Proceeds from the sale benefit the non-profit Al Hirschfeld Foundation.