Al Hirschfeld

Private Collection, Connecticut

in generally good condition; some soiling to surface: scattered stray marks, light stains, work has faded slightly, although details are crisp and clear; margins show more wear (old paper/glue remnants, tears along the left edge;
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The present work was one of four illustrations which appeared in Life magazine, on March 9, 1953, as part of an article entitled, "Expense Account Aristocracy".  The artist himself is  the figure at the bar on the first floor, lower left. 

The legendary 21 Club, located at 21 West 52nd Street in midtown Manhattan, is fabled for its wine cellar and exciting celebrity-spotting opportunities.  The restaurant has been featured in numerous novels and movies; perhaps most famously in The Sweet Smell of Success, in which Burt Lancaster plays Walter Winchell who dined there almost every night at 'his' table, entertaining friends and collecting gossip for his news column, which was often penned there.

Hirschfeld has populated a cut-away view of the restaurant with scores of regulars, while the proprietor and the maître d' look on from their places at the far right of the composition.

As per annotations on the reverse, this work was illustrated in Life magazine, March 9, 1953.