Caricature portrait of Ringo Starr

THE BEATLES, RINGO Starr [aka. Sir Richard STARKEY (b.1940)] - Al HIRSCHFELD (1903-2003).

Caricature portrait of Ringo Starr.  [New York: printed in 1975],  a circular etching with aquatint, printed in green and black, an artist’s proof, numbered in pencil “X/XV” (i.e. #10 of 15 copies), signed by Hirschfeld in pencil, on wove paper, with “ES” blindstamp (Emiliano Sorini) to lower left corner of sheet. Print diameter: 9 ¾ins; 248mm. Sheet size: 18 ¼ x 15 inches; 463 x 381mm. Condition: excellent (see images), professionally hinged onto original backing sheet (see images), very slight toning (see images), light ‘show-through’ from printing ink to verso (see images), deckled lower edge to sheet with slight waviness to sheet (see images) 

A very rare artist’s proof, one of just 15 examples and “highly collectible” according to the Al Hirschfeld foundation website: they have another example priced at $6100 (see https://alhirschfeldfoundationshop.org/product/ringo-starr-in-the-magic-christian-1968/).

A quote from the website of the online Al Hirschfeld foundation shop page: “For many years these [rare artist’s proofs] … were in the artist’s studio close to his barber chair and drawing table. In any Hirschfeld limited edition of prints, a small number of additional prints (frequently 10% of the edition size, for example an edition of 100 may have 10 artist proofs) were marked “artist’s proof” (A/P) and were kept by Hirschfeld. Over the years, it was these artist’s proofs that Hirschfeld would loan to exhibitions, or give or sell to museums, patrons and friends. Because the number of artist’s proofs from any edition is small, they are highly collectible, …. Each print was hand-signed by the artist and numbered, and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity [not present with the current example]. This is the first time these works have been offered to the public, and quantities are extremely limited.” 

‘Al Hirschfeld’s drawings stand as one of the most innovative efforts in 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." He is represented in many public collections, including the Metropolitan, the Whitney, 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.’ (http://www.alhirschfeldfoundation.org/bio)