To celebrate the release of Hirschfeld’s Icons, the second in the Al Hirschfeld Foundation’s series of poster books of drawings by the eponymous artist, a themed exhibition of his works, with copies of the new book, is now on view in the Oak Room at The Algonquin Hotel through Friday, May 8, from noon to 6 pm daily, following a VIP opening on April 27, and a public reception on April 28.
Written and curated by David Leopold, Creative Director of the Al Hirschfeld Foundation and the leading authority on Hirschfeld, the book and show are focused on the most famous performers from the stage, screen, and concert hall, whose names have become legendary, were captured for posterity by the quintessential caricaturist (who preferred to be called a “characterist”), and are still recognized by the current generation. According to Leopold, it was not an easy task to limit the selection to 25 icons for the poster book (all easily removable and suitable for framing), since Hirschfeld created a wealth of drawings of world-renowned artists throughout his seven-decade career.
But in addition to the chosen images, the volume contains an abundance of supplemental illustrations by Hirschfeld of the stars and their shows, posters, albums, and 42 TV Guide covers (more than any other artist) from the Hirschfeld archives, representing a visual journey through our popular culture and the essence of entertainment during his lifetime (1903-2003). Along with them are Leopold’s in-depth analyses that explore the history and context of each subject, his fascinating preface on “The Icon Business,” considering the meaning of the word, the attainment of icon status (including being drawn by Hirschfeld – “After all,” noted Leopold, “more people saw Hirschfeld’s drawing of a performance than those who saw the actual production itself”), and the guidelines he used for his selections. And there’s an introduction on “A Parade of Hirschfeld Icons” by long-time talk-show host and Broadway actor Dick Cavett (Into the Woods, 1988; The Rocky Horror Show, 1997), who knew, and was depicted by, the artist. Both writers also reference Hirschfeld’s penchant for hiding the name of his daughter Nina in his drawings, which makes for a lot of fun trying to find it.
The accompanying exhibit of original drawings and hand-signed limited-edition prints in black-and-white and color (all available for purchase) features more than 100 works of such beloved luminaries of the theater as Laurence Olivier, Chita Rivera, Barbra Streisand, and George and Ira Gershwin, with identifying labels, and each in his signature style of linear calligraphy that succinctly captures the looks and personalities of the stars, their productions, and their characters. From Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, the Marx Brothers, and The Wizard of Oz, to Julie Andrews, Carol Burnett, Richard Pryor, Ray Charles, Jerry Seinfeld, and Lassie, to The Beatles, Mick Jagger, and Jerry Garcia, there truly is something for everyone and every taste in this iconic show, as well as in the eminently readable and informative book.
Hirschfeld’s Icons at The Algonquin is on view through Friday, May 8, noon-6 pm, in the Oak Room, The Algonquin Hotel, 59 W 44th Street, NYC. Admission is free; tickets are not required.
Hirschfeld’s Icons: A Poster Book by David Leopold, introduction by Dick Cavett, art by Al Hirschfeld (New York: Abrams ComicArts, April 28, 2026), paperback, ISBN 9781419784163, $39.00.
