I wish I knew more of the story of Anatol Kovarsky, but he is a classic New Yorker cover artist and cartoonist, who I came to know for his great work in the 50's and 60's. I first bought a copy of "Kovarsky's World," a book published by Knopf (1956) and discovered what a master he is of the gag cartoon in the same inky, sketchy-lined vein as Andre Francois. His NYer cover paintings, which you can find easily on cartoonbank.com are beautiful and jam-packed with detail, the kind of repetitve, graphic detail that make his pictures unique, and I could pore over them for hours. Once I was hooked on Kovarsky, I started searching ebay for more treasures of his work that I could add to my fledgling collection and I was lucky to find this silk scarf - one of my prized possesions.
It's covered in his drawings, the centerpiece being a view from a window into the living room of a family engrossed in a TV program and all the squares surrounding are little vignettes of what's showing on TV from Spanish dancers to wrestling and cops and robbers shows. Oddly imperfect and carefree, it's something I strive for, but not easy for a chronic re-worker and editor like me.
Oh how I love this scarf and Anatol Kovarsky! Every time I wear it people ask me if I drew it myself - how flattering. Wish I could find out more about him.
It's nice to see another fan of Kovarsky! My parents had a book of his that I loved to look at all the time. This was back in the '50s and his work has stayed with me since then. I love his line and details and the way he expresses the inner and outer world of people. Also, the fact that there are so many different people in the world and essentially, we are all alike and experience life in the same way.
Posted by: mimi | June 09, 2008 at 05:50 PM
Hey Mimi,
Those are great observations about his knack for the inner and outer world of his subjects and how he includes multitudes of people in many of his drawings. I agree, that's part of what makes him unique. Thanks for commenting! Laura
Posted by: Laura | June 09, 2008 at 08:46 PM
I have a copy of Kovarsky's World, which I treasure.
Posted by: Tad | November 10, 2008 at 09:23 PM
I have a copy of Kovarsky's World, which I treasure.
Posted by: Tad | November 10, 2008 at 09:24 PM
I have a copy of Kovarsky's World, which I treasure.
Posted by: Tad | November 10, 2008 at 09:24 PM
I found this post taday. It's great to know Anaol is appreciated! He is my cousin though I haven't seen him in 40 or more years. He still alive.
Posted by: Steve | May 18, 2009 at 11:01 AM
I am Anatol's niece. He is in St. Luke's hospital now with some serious health problems (he is 93 years old). If you'd like to send a note I know it would do him good to hear from fans!
Posted by: Tatiana James | October 12, 2012 at 08:00 PM
Thanks Tatiana, for letting us know. I just sent him a package and I will be thinking about him and wishing him the best!
Posted by: coyleart | October 15, 2012 at 12:40 PM