Description:

Katharine Hepburn
New York, NY, ca. 1957
Katharine Hepburn Superb Inscribed Self-Portrait, Attractively Framed With Signed Presentation Letter & Publicity Photo
Signed Art

Katharine Hepburn (1907-2003). A most exceptional caricature-style self-portrait skillfully accomplished by Hepburn and inscribed "Landau" in the upper margin to the associate director of the American Shakespeare Theatre and additionally inscribed on the mat in pencil with a drawing of a four leaf clover, "Jack from His Portia". Framed with a typed presentation letter from Hepburn boldly signed, "Katharine Hepburn", and a publicity photograph from Hepburn's later years. Self-portrait measures 4.75" x 6.5" and is matted to 8.5" x 9". 1p TLS on Hepburn's personal letterhead measures 7" x 10", with original transmittal envelope. Glossy color publicity photograph measures 8" x 10". Matted and framed together to an overall size of 32.5" x 16.25". Toning and minor foxing to caricature and mat. Letter exhibits expected folds and creases with slight soiling to envelope. Shallow chip to top edge of frame. Not examined out of frame. In near fine condition overall.

Accomplished in pencil, ink, watercolor, and crayon on textured paper, this caricature-style self-portrait by Katharine Hepburn depicts her in the role of Portia from "The Merchant of Venice." Hepburn is shown in profile, her hair pulled back into a sloppy topknot, with a high collar. In the upper marginal corner of the self-portrait, Hepburn has written the word "Landau." Jack Landau served as associate director of the independent theater company, American Shakespeare Theatre (AST), in Stratford, Connecticut from 1956 to 1959. Hepburn was one of the first major stars to perform at the AST following its 1955 opening. Sadly, Jack Landau, the recipient of this caricature, was murdered during a robbery in 1967. Up until that point, he had a thriving career in theater, and also became a university-level drama instructor and employee of CBS.

The AST, as its name would suggest, focused primarily on Shakespeare and the theater company was headquartered in a round theatre building modeled after the Globe in London. Hepburn portrayed Portia during a July 10 to August 3, 1957 run of "The Merchant of Venice." Portia gives the famous "quality of mercy" speech in the play. However, a few theater critics at the time disapproved of Hepburn's delivery, characterizing it as halting and distracting. Nevertheless, "The Merchant of Venice" was AST's "most decorative and elaborate production" of the season with Italian renaissance scenery and costumes. Hepburn stayed with the AST for the rest of the season and performed the role of Beatrice from "Much Ado About Nothing. Indeed, Hepburn proved to be a frequent Shakespearian actor. Few Hepburn caricatures exist and those were dedicated to people with whom Hepburn worked in film or theater: fellow actors, wardrobe mistresses, and directors. These starkly honest and unflattering caricatures often depict Hepburn with angular, bony features, freckles, and off-putting facial expressions, as in the present example.

To Earl Fagerstrom Esq. of Hartford, Connecticut, Hepburn's letter, in full: "VI - 3 - 1970 / Dear Mr. Fagerstrom / That is a caricature which I gave Jack Landau when I worked with him at Stratford Connecticut - 1960 - I hope you had to pay a lot for it - I am keeping one photograph - if I may / Katharine Hepburn." The letter appears to suggest that Fagerstrom bought it in a charity auction, hence Hepburn's hope that he overpaid. Her attempt to guess the date of her work with Jack Landau is evidently incorrect as her performance as Portia took place in 1957. The letter is accompanied by the original mailing envelope. While the identity of Fagerstrom is unknown, he was notably a fellow Connecticut resident (Hepburn maintained a home in Old Saybrook for her entire life) and undoubtedly familiar with the AST.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 32.5" x 16.25"
  • Medium: Signed Art

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