Saul Steinberg
Cartoonist, New Yorker illustrator, iconic surreal illustrations
Saul Steinberg was an influential American cartoonist and illustrator born in Romania who became one of the most celebrated and innovative artists of the 20th century. After immigrating to the United States, he developed a distinctive visual style characterized by intricate line drawings, surreal imagery, and witty social commentary. Steinberg is best known for his long association with The New Yorker magazine, where his covers and illustrations appeared for decades, helping to define the magazine's visual identity. His work transcended typical cartooning, incorporating elements of fine art, architecture, and conceptual thinking that elevated illustrations to a higher artistic plane. His famous 1976 cover for The New Yorker, 'A View of the World from 9th Avenue,' became an iconic representation of New York-centric perspective and has been reproduced countless times. Steinberg's illustrations often explored themes of urban life, human nature, and the absurdity of modern existence with remarkable creativity and technical skill. His artistic influence extended beyond illustration to fine art, with his work displayed in major museums and galleries. Steinberg's unique perspective and innovative approach to visual storytelling influenced generations of cartoonists, illustrators, and artists. His legacy remains significant in contemporary art and design, with his work continuing to be celebrated and studied for its originality and cultural impact.
Saul Goodman
Criminal defense attorney character in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul
Saul Perlmutter
Nobel Prize-winning astrophysicist, discovery of universe's acceleration, dark energy research
Saul Bellow
Nobel Prize-winning novelist, The Adventures of Augie March, literary giant
Entertainment
American
1914
1999
Thinking about the name
Saul
Hebrew origin
“Derived from the Hebrew Sha'ul, meaning 'asked for' or 'prayed for,' Saul is a biblical name of significant weight—it was the name of the first king of Israel and later of the Apostle Paul before his conversion. The name carries both Old Testament gravitas and New Testament spiritual transformation. It's a strong, serious name that has endured through millennia of Western culture.”