David Levine (1926–2009) was an American artist and illustrator best known for his incisive caricatures of political leaders, writers, and cultural figures. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Levine studied at the Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia and later at the Pratt Institute. Early in his career, he worked as a painter and printmaker, but he gained widespread recognition for his distinctive pen-and-ink caricatures, which combined masterful draftsmanship with sharp wit and psychological insight.

Levine's illustrations became a defining feature of The New York Review of Books, where his portraits of authors, politicians, and intellectuals appeared regularly for more than four decades. His subjects included presidents, world leaders, novelists, artists, and philosophers, all rendered with exaggerated yet revealing features that captured both their physical appearance and public persona. His work helped elevate caricature from simple satire to a respected form of artistic and cultural commentary.

In addition to his illustration work, Levine maintained a lifelong practice as a fine artist, producing paintings, watercolors, and prints. His artwork is represented in numerous public and private collections, and he is widely regarded as one of the most influential caricaturists of the twentieth century. Through his unique ability to blend humor, observation, and artistic skill, Levine left a lasting impact on American illustration and visual journalism.