Eddie Vitch, a Polish-born caricaturist and mime, rose to fame in 1930s Hollywood for his distinctive caricatures of celebrities, which became a symbol of success, particularly at the iconic Brown Derby establishment. His life, however, was marked by extraordinary intrigue—during WWII, he survived by performing for Nazi audiences unaware of his Jewish identity. After the war, he reinvented himself as an internationally acclaimed mime artist, blending art, survival, and performance in a remarkable personal journey.

How do you read a face? Eddie Vitch is the artist to ask. Vitch did more than capture his subject’s appearance and personality in a few graceful lines—his caricatures often concealed clever, witty references beneath their artful surfaces. Some camouflaged and others in plain view. What can you see?

The nose. This feature became a significant and much-discussed aspect of her public image and career—both culturally and personally. Her refusal to get a nose job to become ‘perfect’ for Hollywood and her subsequent success as an actor, director and producer, also became a symbol of her authenticity, self-acceptance and empowerment.
Eddie Cantor was a singer, actor, comedian, dancer, producer, songwriter, and writer. Personified in this caricatured style, he was best known for his expressive, oversized eyes—his trademark—which he exaggerated for comedic effect.

His iconic portraits are known for their distinctive, stylized caricatures, and were originally created for advertising purposes. Signed by the artist these works exude both authenticity and acclaim. These works would be a delight for art sleuths and lovers of Hollywood’s Golden Age alike, collectors of history and stories.

Eddie VITCH (1903 - 1986)
'Barbara Streisand'
ink on paper
Image Size: 36 x 25 cm
Dimensions: 36 x 25 cm
Signed: Signed lower right

Comes with Letter of Provenance

Condition: Excellent

(c) The Artist or Assignee