Hirschfeld's Sondheim

Al Hirschfeld (1903–2003) was 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. 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, Hirschfeld was given the ultimate Broadway accolade on what would have been his 100th birthday when the Martin Beck Theater was renamed the Al Hirschfeld Theater.

David Leopold is an author and curator based in New York City who has organized exhibitions for institutions worldwide including the Library of Congress, the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, among others. As creative director of the nonprofit Al Hirschfeld Foundation, his books on Hirschfeld include The Hirschfeld Century: A Portrait of the Artist and His Age (2015) and The American Theatre as Seen by Hirschfeld 1962–2002. Leopold also co-hosts the Hirschfeld Century Podcast, nominated as “Best New York City Podcast” by the 2020 Apple Awards. His select other books include David Levine’s American Presidents (2008); Irving Berlin’s Show Business: Broadway-Hollywood-America, (Abrams, 2005, which was listed as a “Top Gift Pick” by the Boston Globe and the New York Times); and Hirschfeld’s Hollywood (Abrams, 2001). He has also authored a number of monographs on underappreciated artists for various museums throughout the country.