Superman Sketch by Joe Shuster (1 of 2)

Drawing

-

anonymous...

Name/Title

Superman Sketch by Joe Shuster (1 of 2)

Description

This is an original pencil sketch of Superman, drawn by Joe Shuster, showing the iconic superhero in profile from the shoulders up. Superman is depicted with a strong jawline, a slightly smiling mouth, and a defined neck and shoulder. The sketch shows the iconic "S" shield on Superman's chest and features the flowing cape behind him. The drawing is on a sheet of light-colored paper, which shows signs of aging, including discoloration and possible creasing. The sketch is done in a loose, expressive style, indicative of a preliminary or informal work. At the bottom of the sketch, there is a handwritten inscription in cursive: "Best personal wishes - Joe to Margie Klaus."

Context

This sketch, by Shuster himself, showcases Superman, a key figure in Golden Age of Comics, when the foundations of the superhero archetype were being established. Shuster drew this for former classmate, Margie Klause.

Collection

Loans, MMJH

Category

Drawing

Made/Created

Artist Information

Artist

Joe Shuster

Role

Cartoonist

Date made

circa 1947 - 1948

Time Period

20th Century

Ethnography

Cultural Region

* Untyped Cultural Region

United States

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Transcription

Best personal wishes- Joe---- to Margie Klause

Language

English

Material/Technique

Pencil

Dimensions

Height

9-1/2 in

Width

7 in

Interpretative Labels

Label Type

Object Label

Label

[header] Calling Card [body]Superman illustrator Joe Shuster was an inveterate doodler who sometimes gave drawings to girls he wanted to date. He presented pencil sketches of his most famous creation to Margie Klaus Courtesy Jack Schwartz, Ruth Mayers, and Dan Schwartz