Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami

Hearst Reading a Newspaper

Artist/Maker Hugh Newell (United States, 1830-1915)

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

Terms

Object number95.0020.01

On View

Not on view

Collections

Art of North America

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.