Al Hirschfeld, 99, Dies; He Drew Broadway

Al Hirschfeld, whose inimitable caricatures captured the vivid personalities of theater people and their performances for more than 75 years, died at his home in Manhattan yesterday. He was 99.

To be the subject of a Hirschfeld drawing endowed one with a special cachet. To find the word "Nina," the name of his daughter, hidden several times in the lines of his caricatures, was a weekend pastime for millions of readers. Next to his signature he put the number of "Ninas" in his drawings, creating a sort of pleasurable Sunday game for his admirers.
[more]

And here is the best source for Hirschfeld images:

The Margot Feiden Galleries

[later]

Al Hirschfeld, beyond Broadway

Al Hirschfeld, Beyond Broadway celebrates a "Gift to the Nation" of original drawings given by the artist in honor of the Library's Bicentennial. The exhibition features twenty-five works drawn from the gift, and from the Library's established collections, spanning Hirschfeld's miraculous career and offering an intimate look back at the origins of his wondrous, "unaccountable" line. Too often we take that legendary line for granted, looking for "Nina" while overlooking Hirschfeld's brilliant artistry. Beyond Broadway reemphasizes his professional roots and personal interests, putting his genius into context.
[more]

  thanks to DANGEROUSMETA!