Hearst Reading a Newspaper
Date1914
Mediumoil on canvas
DimensionsSight: 11 1/8 x 15 in. (28.3 x 38.1 cm)
Framed: 25 1/2 x 21 1/2 x 3 1/8 in. (64.8 x 54.6 x 7.9 cm)
ClassificationsVisual Works
Credit LineGift of Mr. Stuart E. and Dr. Bonny L. Larsen
Object number95.0020.01
DescriptionWilliam Randolph Hearst (1863-1951) is a pivotal figure in the history of modern American journalism. The famous/infamous puplisher of newspapers and magazines is notoriously remembered for pioneering the sensational journalistic style known as yellow journalism, forerunner of today’s tabloid journalism. Hearst Newspapers, Inc. dominated print media for decades as Hearst gobbled up American dailies and magazines, pioneered color comics, Sunday supplements, banner headlines, and editorial crusading. Hearst is depicted here reading, undoubtedly, one of his own newspapers. This ironically bland portrayal of the publishing giant, does little, if anything, to suggest or reveal the enormous power, influence, celebrity, and ignominy associated with the controversial Hearst.
