Pinterest
Columbia Pictures: The Iconic Logo of Hollywood
A History of the Columbia Lady
Columbia Pictures, one of the oldest and most recognizable film studios in Hollywood, has had a long and fascinating history. The iconic logo featuring the "Torch Lady" has been a symbol of the studio for nearly a century, but few know the story behind its creation.
The Early Years: Cohn-Brandt-Cohn Film Sales
Columbia Pictures was founded in 1919 as Cohn-Brandt-Cohn Film Sales, a small distribution company. In 1923, the company changed its name to Columbia Pictures Corporation and began producing its own films.
The Birth of the Torch Lady
The original Columbia Pictures logo was a simple torch with flames licking the letters "C," "O," and "L." However, in 1929, the studio decided to create a more striking logo that would better represent the grandeur of Hollywood.
The result was a painting by Edward Hopper depicting a woman holding a torch and wearing a flowing robe. The woman represented Columbia, the female personification of the United States, and the torch symbolized the studio's commitment to illuminating the world with its films.
The Iconic Modern Logo
The modern Columbia Pictures logo, adopted in the 1990s, is an updated version of the original Hopper painting. The woman's face is now based on the photograph of Kathy Anderson, a New York model, and the colors have been brightened. This bold and recognizable image has become synonymous with Columbia Pictures and has been seen by millions in theaters and living rooms around the world.
The Columbia Pictures logo is more than just a symbol of a film studio; it is a timeless and iconic image that embodies the glamour, history, and magic of Hollywood.
Pinterest
Comments