Boris Chaliapin, Time Magazine Illustrator, Gets Exhibition Of Iconic Covers (PHOTOS)

LOOK: TIME's Most Iconic Retro Covers

From 1942-70, Boris Chaliapin was TIME Magazine's go-to man, an illustrator who could create work at record-breaking speeds. His portraits regularly appeared on magazine covers, gracing newsstands with his familiar signature.

During his years at TIME, Chaliapin drew 413 covers of memorable personas. For his prodigious work, "Mr. Time" is the subject of a retrospective at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in D.C. this May, where 26 of his images will be on display.

The artist was schooled in classical painting in Europe, and was the son of the famous Russian opera singer Feodor Chaliapin. The illustrator's artistic training is evident in his depictions of political figures, Hollywood stars, and sports legends, where his quick lines retain painterly grace.

"Mr. Time: Portraits by Boris Chaliapin" will be on display at the National Portrait Gallery May 17th, 2013 to January 5th, 2014.

Scroll through the slideshow below to see how Chaliapin immortalized famous faces from the 40s to the 60s.

Before You Go

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Mr. TIME: Portraits by Boris Chaliapin

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