Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Saul Steinberg Biography
Saul Steinberg, born on June 15, 1914, in Râmnicu Sărat, Romania, to a family of Russian Jewish descent, emerged as one of the most celebrated and versatile artists of the 20th century. His work, which spanned over six decades, is not easily categorized, as it traversed the realms of illustration, fine art, and design with equal finesse and innovation. Steinberg's journey from a young boy in Romania to an iconic figure in American art is a testament to his enduring creativity, wit, and insight into the human condition.
Steinberg's early life was marked by the cultural richness and political turmoil of interwar Romania. The family moved to Bucharest in 1915, where his father, Moritz, ran a printing and bookbinding business. This early exposure to printmaking and typography would later influence Steinberg's artistic vocabulary. Despite facing the harsh realities of anti-Semitism, Steinberg's childhood was imbued with a love for drawing and an acute observation of his surroundings, traits that would define his later work.
In 1932, Steinberg enrolled at the University of Bucharest, studying philosophy and psychology. However, the rampant anti-Semitism at the university and the broader societal upheaval prompted him to leave Romania. In 1933, he moved to Milan, Italy, to study architecture at the Politecnico di Milano. It was during his time in Milan that Steinberg began to explore his artistic talents more deeply, contributing cartoons to Italian humor newspapers such as Bertoldo and Settebello. His architectural studies, combined with his burgeoning interest in visual satire, honed his ability to distill complex ideas into simple, yet profound, visual narratives.
Steinberg's time in Italy came to an abrupt end with the imposition of anti-Jewish racial laws by Mussolini's fascist regime. Unable to practice his profession or publish his work freely, Steinberg fled Europe. After a brief stay in the Dominican Republic, he arrived in New York City in 1942, a move that would mark the beginning of his most productive and influential period.
In New York, Steinberg quickly became a fixture in the city's vibrant art scene. His relationship with The New Yorker magazine, which began almost immediately upon his arrival, would last for six decades and produce some of his most memorable work. Steinberg's drawings for the magazine—ranging from whimsical views of New York life to sharp political satire—captured the imagination of the American public. His work was not confined to the pages of magazines; he also created murals, stage sets, and public installations, showcasing his versatility and willingness to experiment with different media.
Steinberg's art is characterized by its playful yet incisive exploration of identity, language, and perception. He often employed a range of graphic styles, from detailed line drawings to bold collages, to comment on the absurdities of modern life. His most famous work, "View of the World from 9th Avenue," epitomizes his ability to blend humor with a deep understanding of human folly and hubris.
Despite his success, Steinberg remained a deeply private individual, wary of the art world's pretensions and skeptical of fame. He continued to work prolifically until his death on May 12, 1999, in New York City. Today, Steinberg's legacy is preserved through the Saul Steinberg Foundation, which seeks to promote a deeper understanding of his contribution to 20th-century art. His work remains a vital part of American cultural history, a reminder of the power of art to reflect, critique, and celebrate the complexities of human life.
Saul Steinberg Quotes and
Sales of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us
and let us know your request. We will inform you about the
available works. We also offer the possibility to
subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, through which you will be
informed at the beginning of each month about the latest
acquisitions of the art gallery.
You can send us pictures of the work: