The trial of so-called “socialite scammer” Anna Delvey, whose real name is Anna Sorokin, lasted nearly a month as prosecutors from the Manhattan District Attorney’s office called up dozens of witnesses and laid out a detailed, often damning case against the woman who duped many into believing she was a wealthy German heiress.
Throughout the trial, Delvey caused no shortage of drama in the courtroom with her intense focus on her appearance, which was orchestrated each day with the help of a hired stylist. There were also several well-publicized “fashion meltdowns” when outfits didn’t go according to plan.
Now, Steven Hirsch, a professional photographer who freelances for the New York Post and who was in court for each day of the trial, has used the scam artist as inspiration for a group of ten paintings, several of which he completed this week. Hirsch tells artnet News he started creating them during jury selection about a month and a half ago.
“Up until that point, Anna Sorokin was coming to court wearing prison sweats,” he says. “When she came out dressed up the first day of jury selection, she looked like a totally different person—thin, and wearing expensive designer clothes. I realized she was going to make a fashion statement during the trial.”
Anna Delvey. Image courtesy of Steven Hirsch.
Among the paintings is a depiction of Sorokin just after her extradition from California (to where she fled), after which she was “perp walked in the hallway of the courthouse in a plastic jumpsuit and handcuffs,” Hirsch says.
“She remains an enigma to me,” he says. “So in my paintings, I tried to create a narrative about who I think she is: a 21st-century bank robber; a fashion victim; someone with multiple identities.”
Hirsch says he isn’t sure yet what people think of the works, but that several have offered to buy them. “I’ve had multiple requests to sell them, but as a photographer, I’m not used to creating one-of-a-kind [works] and have turned them down. One of Anna’s lawyers called me the other night and asked me to sell him one of Anna and himself,” he says, adding: “Todd Spodek, the lead lawyer for Anna, said he showed her the work on his phone and she laughed.”
Sorokin was found guilty of most of the counts against her late last month, including attempted grand larceny in the first, second, and third degrees. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Thursday in New York State Supreme Court and faces up to 15 years in prison. She will eventually be deported to Germany for having violated the terms of her visa. Since late 2017, when she was arrested, Sorokin has been in jail on Riker’s Island with no bail.
See more images of Hirsch’s paintings below.
Anna Delvey (Anna Sorokin). Image courtesy of Steven Hirsch.
Anna Delvey (Anna Sorokin). Image courtesy of Steven Hirsch.
Anna Delvey (Anna Sorokin). Image courtesy of Steven Hirsch.
Anna Delvey (Anna Sorokin). Image courtesy of Steven Hirsch.
Anna Delvey (Anna Sorokin). Image courtesy of Steven Hirsch.
Anna Delvey (Anna Sorokin). Image courtesy of Steven Hirsch.
Anna Delvey (Anna Sorokin). Image courtesy of Steven Hirsch.
Anna Delvey (Anna Sorokin). Image courtesy of Steven Hirsch.