Al Hirschfeld

Al Hirschfeld combined black and white linear drawing with portraiture to develop one of the most innovative and iconic visual languages. Known as one of the most influential caricaturists in history, Hirschfeld went on to capture countless celebrities and Broadway stars with little more than his expressive black lines. To be the subject of a Hirschfeld drawing endowed one with special distinction. Highly popular with readers of the New York Times, he continued to publish his cartoonish likenesses with them throughout a 75-year career. Millions of readers scoured his weekly drawings to find the word ''Nina,'' the name of his daughter, hidden within the lines of his caricatures. Next to his signature he would put the number of ''Ninas'' stashed in each particular drawing, creating a Sunday game for his admirers. Hirschfeld’s work has influenced countless artists, illustrators and cartoonists over the years and continues to do so today. —Submitted by Heritage Auctions