Iosif Joseph Igin Soviet cartoonist Date of Birth: 15.04.1910

1. Early Life and Education
2. Rise to Prominence
3. Artistic Influence
4. Collaboration with Mikhail Svetlov
5. Memoirs and Legacy
6. Artistic Pranks
7. Later Years and Legacy
8. Friendship with Mikhail Svetlov

Early Life and Education

Joseph Ginzburg was born on April 15, 1910, in the Jewish town of Propoisk (now Slavgorod). In the late 1920s, he studied at the Leningrad Art College before graduating from the Moscow Polygraphic Institute, formerly known as the famed VKHUTEMAS and VKHUTEIN (Higher Artistic and Technical Institute).

Rise to Prominence

Ginzburg gained significant fame as a creator of numerous caricatures. His drawings were published in the humorous sections of Soviet magazines, with many appearing in the pages of "Krokodil." Over the years, he created a gallery of portrait-caricatures of his generation, featuring literary greats, performers, and other prominent cultural figures.

Artistic Influence

During his era, drawing caricatures of Soviet political figures was strictly forbidden. Thus, Ginzburg's talent was directed towards those around him, particularly his close friend, the renowned poet Mikhail Svetlov. His vast collection of caricatures was compiled into books and albums.

Collaboration with Mikhail Svetlov

In 1962, Ginzburg and Svetlov collaborated on a book of parodies entitled "Museum of Friends," a compilation of caricatures of famous Soviet cultural figures. Ginzburg created the drawings, while Svetlov penned witty poetic inscriptions underneath each one. The book was a resounding success, causing no offense due to its friendly nature.

Memoirs and Legacy

In his later years, Ginzburg penned his memoirs, titled "About the People I Drew." He shared numerous amusing anecdotes from his encounters with celebrated Soviet cultural figures. His memories were captured in the publication of several books.

Artistic Pranks

Despite his own fame, Ginzburg often became the subject of other people's memoirs, which recounted his humorous tricks and pranks. In one instance, he was commissioned to create caricatures of satirists and humorists for a "Krokodil" album. When his work was delayed, he substituted a caricature of an unrelated individual. The deception was quickly discovered, forcing Ginzburg to create a legitimate caricature.

Later Years and Legacy

Joseph Ginzburg passed away in Moscow in 1975. His archive is housed in the Russian State Archive of Literature and Art (RGALI). He was survived by his daughter Irina, who married film director V.I. Mikhailevsky, and his grandson Alexander Mikhailevsky.

Friendship with Mikhail Svetlov

Ginzburg maintained a close friendship with Mikhail Svetlov, creating countless drawings and caricatures of him. Svetlov reciprocated by dedicating several humorous and witty poems to his friend.