5 - Al Hirschfeld (American, 1903-2003). Pen and ink on wove paper, The Benchley Family. Signed in the lower right with inscription "To Marjorie." The drawing is housed in a wood frame with a fabric-wrapped mat. The verso displays a handwritten inscription in black ink. Sight: 19 1/2 x 26 1/8 in. Frame: 29 1/2 x 36 1/2 x 1 1/2 in.

Al Hirschfeld (American, 1903-2003). Pen and ink on wove paper, The Benchley Family. Signed in the lower right with inscription "To Marjorie." The drawing is housed in a wood frame with a fabric-wrapped mat. The verso displays a handwritten inscription in black ink. Sight: 19 1/2 x 26 1/8 in. Frame: 29 1/2 x 36 1/2 x 1 1/2 in. Peter commissioned this superb drawing from Al Hirschfeld, the renowned caricaturist best known for his minimalist, black-and-white linear ink drawings of celebrities, politicians, and Broadway stars, as well as his New Yorker cartoons, as a gift for his mother, Marjorie Benchley. It celebrates the Benchley men across three generations: Robert Benchley, the humorist of Algonquin Round Table fame; his son, the novelist Nathaniel Benchley; and Nathaniel and Marjorie's sons, Peter and Nat. Peter is depicted wearing the oversized dark glasses. From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940-2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation. Proceeds from the Peter Benchley Collection will benefit five ocean conservation organizations: Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, WildAid, Beneath the Waves, Blue Frontier and Environmental Defense Fund. CONDITION: Toning is present along the perimeter where the paper meets the matting. A circular yellowed stain is visible in the upper left quadrant. The paper shows rippling and small edge tears along the bottom margin. The wood frame has minor scuffing and surface wear. The paper dust cover on the verso is brittle and heavily torn. NOTICE TO BIDDERS: The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition. Photos are considered part of the condition report. Complete condition information is available by request, please request no later than 24 hours prior to the auction. All lots are offered and sold "as is", and Willow Auctions will not provide refunds based on condition. Timepiece movements, lighting and electrics have not been tested, and art has not been examined out of the frame unless otherwise stated.