NEW YORK, NY.- Helicline Fine Art announces its next exhibition, HIRSCHFELD: STROKES OF GENIUS, a glorious celebration of Al Hirschfeld’s artwork. The exhibition includes more than four dozen original drawings and lithographs (all signed and numbered) depicting Broadway, Hollywood, TV, music and comedy. Beginning September 10 through November 2, works can be seen at HeliclineFineArt.com and at the midtown Manhattan gallery by appointment.

In addition to the digital exhibition, some of the Helicline drawings will be included in an exhibition the gallery is holding in conjunction with the Al Hirschfeld Foundation at the legendary Oak Room of New York City’s Algonquin Hotel (59 W. 44th Street) from September 9-20.


Al Hirschfeld (1903-2003), Gwen Verdon in "Redhead". Ink on board. Sight: 14 1/2 x 19 inches. Framed 22 1/2 x 27. Signed lower Hirschfeld, Philadelphia

Hirschfeld's artwork is known for its seemingly simple flowing and elegant lines that capture the essence of performance, the elusive magic of Broadway and Hollywood, with minimal detail. Yet his drawings communicate volumes with each stroke. The legendary artist’s pen immortalized generations of stage and screen icons.

Hirschfeld elevated simple caricature to interpretive expressionism, establishing a new visual language for modern art.


Al Hirschfeld (1903-2003), Looney Tunes. Lithograph on heavy paper. Sight size: 15 1/4 x 23 1/2 inches. Signed lower right, numbered 233/350 lower left

His work appeared in major publications for decades, including a 75-year relationship with The New York Times. His distinctive style has become recognizable to generations of art lovers and audiences.

“Al Hirschfeld holds a very special place in my heart” said gallery owner Keith Sherman. “Art is a second business for me, as my primary work is running a Times Square based PR firm. I represented Al for the last 15 years of his life and the Al Hirschfeld Foundation since it was formed more than two decades ago. I am over-the-moon excited about offering these classic Hirschfeld original drawings and lithographs.”


Al Hirschfeld (1903-2003), "The Defiant Ones" Tony Curtis and Sidney Poitier. Ink on board, 1958. 18 x 20 (sight) Inches, board measures 30 x 22 inches

Many beloved stars and iconic images are featured in the exhibition, including: Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler, Carol Channing, Gwen Verdon, Dinah Shore, Sidney Poitier, Abbott and Costello, Charlie Chaplin, “I Love Lucy,” Cher, Elvis, Sinatra, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Barry Manilow, Beverly Sills, Bob Hope, Bogart & Bacall, Humphrey Bogart, Lauen Bacall, “Cabaret” with Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey, Clint Eastwood Duke Ellington, Greta Garbo, Marx Brothers, Katherine Hepburn, Jane Fonda, Jay Leno, Laurel & Hardy, Lena Horne, Looney Tunes, Mae West, Marlene Deitrich, Mary Tyler Moore and Dick Van Dyke, Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable, “Phantom of the Opera,” Sammy Davis, Shirley MacLaine, Stephen Sondheim, and others.

In 1945, Hirschfeld celebrated the birth of his daughter Nina by placing her name in the background of a drawing. What the artist described as an innocent prank soon became a personal trademark and national obsession, as he began hiding numerous NINA’s throughout his drawings for years.


Al Hirschfeld (1903 - 2003), Barbra Stresiand "Belle of 14th Street". Etching with aquatint, 13 1/2 x 9 3/4 inches. Signed lower right and numbered 10/150 lower left

The timing of HIRSCHFELD: STROKES OF GENIUS coincides with The Al Hirschfeld Foundation’s new book, HIRSCHFELD’S SONDHEIM, which will be published by Harry Abrams Comic Arts. This first volume in a series of deluxe oversized 11 x 14-inch Hirschfeld poster books contains more than 50 drawings of Sondheim, and his best knows musicals, plays and films, including 25 full page images that can be easily removed and put right on a wall.

Al Hirschfeld’s drawings stand as one of the most innovative efforts establishing the visual language of modern art through caricature in the 20th century. A self-described “characterist,” his signature work, defined by a linear calligraphic style, appeared in virtually every major publication of the last nine decades (including a 75-year relationship with The New York Times) as well as numerous book and record covers and 15 postage stamps. Hirschfeld said his contribution was to take the character, created by the playwright and portrayed by the actor, and reinvent it for the reader. Playwright Terrence McNally wrote: "No one 'writes' more accurately of the performing arts than Al Hirschfeld. He accomplishes on a blank page with his pen and ink in a few strokes what many of us need a lifetime of words to say."


Al Hirschfeld (1903-2003), Carol Channing in "Hello Dolly". Lithograph on heavy paper 12 1/2 x 9 1/2 inches. Signed lower right, numbered 115/150 lower left

He is represented in many public collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the National Portrait Gallery, and Harvard’s Theater Collection. Hirschfeld authored several books including Manhattan Oases and Show Business is No Business in addition to 10 collections of his work. He was declared a Living Landmark by the New York City Landmarks Commission in 1996, and a Living Legend by The Library of Congress in 2000. Just before his death in January 2003, he learned he was to be awarded the Medal of Arts from the National Endowment of the Arts and inducted into the Academy of Arts and Letters. The winner of two Tony Awards, he was given the ultimate Broadway accolade on what would have been his 100th birthday in June 2003. The Martin Beck Theater was renamed the Al Hirschfeld Theater.

The mission of the Al Hirschfeld Foundation is to promote interest in the theater and visual arts by supporting non-profit museums, libraries, theaters and similar cultural institutions.


Al Hirschfeld (1903-2003), Judy Garland at the Palace. Ink on board, 1955. Sight: 16 1/2 x 12 3/4 inches. Framed 24 1/2 x 21 1/2 inches. Signed lower right.

Helicline Fine Art, founded in 2008 by Roy Goldberg and Keith Sherman, specializes in American and European modernism. The gallery’s core offerings are works from the WPA period. Additionally, Helicline offers American scene, social realism, mural studies, industrial landscapes, regionalism, abstracts, and other artwork. Located in a private space in midtown Manhattan, Helicline is open by appointment.

In addition to the Helicline site, works can be seen and acquired on artsy.net and 1stDibs.com.

“The line is the foundation of all art. With it, you can create motion, character, and soul.” – Al Hirschfeld

American Fine Art magazine features HIRSCHFELD: STROKES OF GENIUS in its current issue.