Saul Steinberg
False Diploma, 1954

Materials: ink, paper, leather, plastic, ribbon, wax

Steinberg blended various artistic methods and notably incorporated his own style of handwriting, which soon became one of his signature techniques. In the 1940s, he pioneered a sophisticated yet deliberately cryptic form of script. This script became the foundation for his “false documents”, such as counterfeit diplomas, passports, and licenses. These documents, with their deliberate lack of clarity, subtly undermined the perceived power of official papers.
By the 1950s, Steinberg’s distinctive script had evolved into an art form so convincingly deceptive that it left viewers struggling to decode it, a challenge that continues to intrigue audiences. Steinberg shared some of these unique pieces with his close friends, while a few found their way into art galleries. These works, with imitated stamps, seals, and pseudo-photographic elements, not only showcase his artistic brilliance but reflect his own complex narrative of escaping the Fascist Italy and his subsequent journey to establish a new life in the United States.

This False Diploma was made for James Miller, a close friend of Saul Steinberg.