AL HIRSCHFELD's social, political and theatrical depictions are as significant to the history of the twentieth century as cave drawings are to understanding pre-historic man or hieroglyphics to explaining the Egyptians. His creative caricatures made Charlie Chaplin a cinematic must and Carol Channing a theatrical icon. To become the focus of the hand of Hirschfeld—The Line King —was the artistic equivalent to receiving as Oscar, an Emmy, a Tony, a Pulitzer or even the Nobel Peace Prize, as an established earmark of success. To be immortalized on his canvas was a guarantee of fame and/or historical significance. His artistic commentary helped define the arts and, in many ways, the nation.

Al Hirschfeld (1903-2003) is considered by many to be the greatest line artist of the modern era. For more than 75 years Hirschfeld drew luminaries from Broadway and Hollywood for “The New York Times” and almost every other notable publication. Full of wit and verve, in distinctively bold and often intricate lines, Hirschfeld captured the greats with his pen. Actors, singers, dancers, producers, directors, and playwrights, classical musicians and rock bands—from the 1920’s on, being "Hirschfelded" signified that you had arrived. Famously, Hirschfeld drew while seated in a barber’s chair in his New York City studio. Hirschfeld continued to work daily until his death in 2003.

After the birth of his daughter, Nina, Hirschfeld began hiding her name in his drawings, often tucking it into an actor’s hair, clothing, and shoes. In the 1950's Hirschfeld began adding a number to the right of his signature to indicate how many NINAs his drawing contained. Finding the NINAs became a national Sunday morning pastime.

Al Hirschfeld was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President George W. Bush. The Library of Congress designated Hirschfeld a “Living Legend.” And in February 2003, the United States Congress by unanimous voice vote passed a resolution declaring Al Hirschfeld a National Treasure.

Margo Feiden began her career at age 16 when she became Broadway’s youngest producer, director, and playwright, documented by the Guinness Book of World Records (1981). Also as a writer, she researched and authored the scholarly award-winning Margo Feiden’s The Calorie Factor (Simon & Schuster, 1989); Feiden won the prestigious Library Journal Award, which cited her book as the best written on the subject. Since 1969, she has presided over the Margo Feiden Galleries Ltd., New York, where she has been the exclusive, worldwide representative of Al Hirschfeld, about whom she has written extensively. Feiden was the first person ever to hold an art auction on the World Wide Web (New York Times, Dec. 14, 1995). Her gallery is also known for its work in the restoration of art and documents on paper. Feiden has appeared in documentary films and on many television and radio programs. In addition, she has been an avid aviatrix, camel racer, Mensa member, and Friar. Both she and her Gallery live in glorious Greenwich Village.

For more information, or to request an interview with Margo Feiden, please send an email to harlan@bhbpr.com or call 626.296.3757