George Burns Caricature

Al Hirschfeld (1903 - 2003, USA) "GEORGE BURNS WITH CIGAR" (1990) - Hand pulled etching, hand signed in pencil and numbered 112/200 with 'ES' blind stamp in the lower right. The beloved cigar smoking entertainer, George Burns, is depicted with his familiar arched eyebrow and the famous prop he used during a career that spanned three quarters of a century. Artist Hirschfeld was known for adding his daughter's name, 'Nina' into each image. In this one, 'Nina' is written in the hair above George's left ear. The sheet size is 20" x 15" and the image measures 12.75" x 10." The work of art has been matted and framed measuring 23.5" x 19.5." Shipping is free in the USA.

George Burns ((1896 -1996) was an iconic American comedian, actor, singer, and writer. His career successfully spanned vaudeville, radio, film and television. His arched eyebrow and ever-present cigar were his trademarks for over 75 years in the entertainment industry.

Al Hirschfeld combined black and white linear drawing with portraiture to develop one of the most innovative and iconic visual languages. Known as one of the most influential caricaturists in history, Hirschfeld went on to capture countless celebrities and Broadway stars with little more than his expressive black lines. To be the subject of a Hirschfeld drawing endowed one with special distinction. Highly popular with readers of the New York Times, he continued to publish his cartoonish likenesses with them throughout a 75-year career. Millions of readers scoured his weekly drawings to find the word ''Nina,'' the name of his daughter, hidden within the lines of his caricatures. Next to his signature he would put the number of ''Ninas'' stashed in each particular drawing, creating a Sunday game for his admirers. Hirschfeld’s work has influenced countless artists, illustrators and cartoonists over the years and continues to do so today. —Submitted by Heritage Auctions