As an actress and as a celebrity, Louise Brooks was the subject of a fair amount of press — from profiles and interviews in newspapers and magazines to mentions in numerous gossip columns. Photographs of Brooks also appeared in all manner of publications, as did illustrations. These visual depictions included drawings, spot illustrations, and most significantly, caricatures. Some were intended to depict Brooks as a “personality” or celebrity, while some were editorial illustrations which either accompanied an article or stood on their own. Others were used in the promotion of a film, or accompanied editorial coverage of a movie.
This section of the Louise Brooks Society website highlights illustrations and caricatures of Louise Brooks. Besides the Caricatures and Illustrations (HUB page) (which contains a few examples of contemporary images), below are links to three pages of vintage examples.
CARICATURES & ILLUSTRATIONS (AMERICAN) || CARICATURES & ILLUSTRATIONS (EUROPEAN) || CARICATURES & ILLUSTRATIONS (ELSEWHERE)
Pictured below are a examples of the vintage caricatures and illustrations of Louise Brooks from “elsewhere” — namely not the United States or Europe. These few examples come from Brazil and Australia I believe the Australian drawing may be original to Australia, as are the Brazilian drawings of Brooks. The Brazilian ad on the top left is likely based on a still from It’s the Old Army Game, but it is not an illustration seen anywhere else. The portrait of Brooks in the ad for Just Another Blonde is also unique, and was likely drawn just for this advertisement. Despite its uniqueness, it is in the opinion of this collector one of the worst depictions every drawn of the actress. For more artistic depictions of Louise Brooks from South America, be sure and check out the LBS page devoted to South American Magazine Covers.
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| It’s the Old Army Game newspaper advertisement artist unknown, Brazil, 1927 |
Just Another Blonde newspaper advertisement artist unknown, Brazil, 1927 |
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| Paramount magazine advertisement artist unknown, Brazil, July 1927 |
theater newspaper advertisement artist unknown, Brazil, July 1927 |
Just as Louise Brooks was sometimes compared to and even mistaken for Colleen Moore due to their similar appearance, Brooks was also sometimes paired with Clara Bow due to their not dissimilar screen personas – that of the flapper or modern young woman. The two related Brazilian advertisements shown above each feature illustrations of the two stars. The one on the left notes each actress’ roles in three current films, including Brooks’ proposed role in Glorifying the American Girl. Despite being long considered for a part in the Florenz Ziegfeld-produced film, Brooks never appeared in the delayed 1929 release (nor did Bow, who was also considered). The Central and Republica theaters knew they were onto something special when — in the ad on the right — they promoted “two stars in one day” featuring the “seductive” Bow and the “charming” Brooks – each then starring in newly released Paramount films. Not sure which film or actress to choose? This ad suggests moviegoers go to the theater and “decide for yourself”.
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| A Girl in Every Port advertisement Australia, 1928 |
advertisement close-up Australia, 1928 |
There are other vintage drawings of Brooks included in advertisements published in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and elsewhere — but as they were closely based on studio supplied publicity and advertising materials (of American origin), they are not included here.