Unveiling Anthony Quinn's Cinema-Inspired Self-Portraits
In celebration of the 109th anniversary of Anthony Quinn’s birthday — April 21st — we remember his artistic genius, both as Performing Artist, as well as a Visual Artist.
Anthony Quinn was not only a master of the silver screen but also an accomplished artist with a passion for self-expression. Alongside his illustrious acting career, he delved into the world of art, creating captivating self-portraits that captured his appearances in various movie roles.
Using different artistic mediums, Quinn skillfully depicted himself in characters that left a lasting impact on cinema. Through vivid brushstrokes, he portrayed the intensity of his iconic roles like Zorba the Greek, the fierce Libyan tribal leader Omar Mukhtar in Lion of the Desert, and the enigmatic Kiril Cardinal Lakota (Pope Kiril I) in The Shoes of the Fisherman.
Revenge, 1990
Tony Scott's 1990 film 'Revenge' stars Kevin Costner, Anthony Quinn, and Madeleine Stowe. Set partly in Mexico, it's based on Jim Harrison's novella from Esquire magazine, blending romance with thriller elements. Anthony Quinn is Tibey Mendez, a businessman, crime lord, Jay's (Kevin Costner) ex-friend and Miryea's (Madeleine Stowe) husband.
In these self-portraits, Quinn's artistic prowess brought his characters' emotions to life, revealing the depth of his understanding of the human psyche. Each stroke conveyed the essence of the roles he had so brilliantly portrayed on screen, giving viewers a glimpse into the intensity and passion that fueled his acting.
The Shoes of the Fisherman, 1986
Anthony Quinn leads an ensemble cast in 'The Shoes of the Fisherman,' a 1968 epic directed by Michael Anderson. Based on Morris West's novel, it explores Vatican and Cold War politics. The film stars Anthony Quinn as Cardinal Kiril Pavlovich Lakota, later Pope Kiril I, Oskar Werner, David Janssen, Vittorio De Sica, Leo McKern, John Gielgud and Laurence Olivier.
These self-portraits served as a window into Anthony Quinn's soul, showcasing not only his artistic talent but also his profound connection with the characters he embodied. It was a reflection of the dedication and authenticity he brought to every movie role, leaving an indelible mark on the history of cinema.
Lion of the Desert, 1981
Lion of the Desert is a 1981 historical war film directed by Moustapha Akkad, about the Second Italo-Senussi War, starring Anthony Quinn as Libyan tribal leader Omar Mukhtar, a Bedouin leader fighting the Regio Esercito (Royal Italian Army), and Oliver Reed as Italian General Rodolfo Graziani, who defeated Mukhtar.
Today, his self-portraits stand as a testament to the artistic brilliance of a man who left an indelible mark on both the canvas and the silver screen. Anthony Quinn's art continues to inspire and captivate audiences, just like his unforgettable performances in the world of cinema.
And through the Anthony Quinn Foundation Scholarship Program, his legacy lives on!
Zorba the Greek, 1981
Zorba the Greek is a 1964 drama film written, produced, edited, and directed by Greek Cypriot filmmaker Michael Cacoyannis. It stars Anthony Quinn as Zorba, an earthy and boisterous Cretan peasant, and Alan Bates as Basil, the buttoned-up young intellectual he befriends. The cast also includes Lila Kedrova, Irene Papas, and Sotiris Moustakas.
Zorba,1983 (Broadway Revival)
Painting: Triumph, 1988
Zorba is a musical with a book by Joseph Stein, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and music by John Kander. Adapted from the 1946 novel Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis. The 1983 revival directed by Michael Cacoyannis and choreographed by Graciela Daniele opened on October 16, 1983, at the Broadway Theatre, where it ran for 362 performances and 14 previews. The cast included Anthony Quinn and Lila Kedrova who had both starred in the film version, the latter winning an Oscar for her performance.
Lust for Life, 1956
Lust for Life is a 1956 American biographical film about the life of the Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh, based on the 1934 novel of the same title by Irving Stone which was adapted for the screen by Norman Corwin. It was directed by Vincente Minnelli and produced by John Houseman. The film stars Kirk Douglas as Van Gogh and Anthony Quinn as Paul Gauguin. Douglas won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama, while Quinn won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
The Message, 1976
The Message (originally known as Mohammad, Messenger of God) is a 1976 epic film directed and produced by Moustapha Akkad that chronicles the life and times of Muhammad. The film stars Anthony Quinn as Hamza, Irenepe Papas as Hind bint Utbah. The Message was nominated for Best Original Score in the 50th Academy Awards, but lost the award to Star Wars.
The Old Man and the Sea, 1990
The Old Man and the Sea is a 1990 American-British adventure drama television film directed by Jud Taylor and written by Roger O. Hirson, based on the 1952 novella of the same name by Ernest Hemingway. The film stars Anthony Quinn as Santiago, Gary Cole, Patricia Clarkson as Mary Pruitt, and Joe Santos as Lopez.
Requiem for a Heavyweight, 1962
Requiem for a Heavyweight is a 1962 American film directed by Ralph Nelson based on the television play of the same name with Anthony Quinn in the role originated by Jack Palance, Jackie Gleason and Mickey Rooney in the parts portrayed on television by Keenan Wynn and his father Ed Wynn, and social worker Grace Miller was portrayed by Julie Harris. Muhammad Ali, then known as Cassius Clay, appears as Quinn's opponent in a boxing match at the beginning of the movie.
More Self-Portraits
Useful links - Art by Anthony Quinn: Sculptures, Paintings and Drawings
“Someone once said if I was left on an island, I’d reconstruct the rocks.
I have a need to say I was here.”