[Brailowsky, Alexander. (1896–1976) & Barere, Simon. (1896–1951)] Norkin, Sam. (1917–2011)
Original Drawing
Original drawing of the two prominent Russian-born pianists Alexander Brailowsky and Simon Barere, by noted American illustrator and caricaturist Sam Norkin. While Brailowsky (at the left) plays with a grin and massive oversized hands, Barere is shown sweating profusely onto the fingerboard. Black and white ink on card, with some crop marks and notes in pencil at the foot. Toning, some light edge wear and soiling; overall fine. 16 x 9.5 inches (41.5 x 24.5 cm).New York-born cartoonist Samuel Norkin specialized in theater and arts caricatures for more than seven decades. His drawings of theater, opera, ballet and film celebrities appeared in Variety, Backstage, The Philadelphia Enquirer, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, The Boston Globe and many other publications. He is best-known for his long tenure providing theatrical illustrations for the New York Herald Tribune (1940–1956) and covering performing arts for the Daily News (from the 1950's to the 1980's.) His highly engaging drawings have been said to "metaphorically grab the reader-onlooker by the shoulders." Because Norkin would draw the performers in rehearsal, his caricatures often served as an effective advance press for shows as they went on the pre-Broadway circuit. (15274)
Art Classical Music