Michael Leunig was an iconic Australian cartoonist, writer, painter, philosopher and poet, best known for his cartoons published in the Sydney Morning Herald and Age newspapers over 55 years. Spanning the political, cultural and philosophical, his visual world was one of whimsy, wit and a deep humanity.

Quintessentially Leunig, ‘LIVE HUMAN…’ is an original drawing for a cartoon. In it, a worldworn man pushes a box labelled “LIVE HUMAN / HANDLE WITH CARE”, its designation “THIS END UP” woefully upside down. A reflection on systems compartmentalizing humans like cargo, the sensitivity of the human spirit and efficiency overriding care, ‘LIVE HUMAN…’ is both humorous and thought-provoking.

As special as it is rare, ‘LIVE HUMAN…’ is a jewel for admirers of Leunig, dreamers and collectors of important works on paper. It is provenanced from the Leunig family’s private collection.

Michael LEUNIG (1945 - 2024)
'LIVE HUMAN...'
ink on paper
Image Size: 7 x 7 cm
Paper Dimensions: 13 x 20 cm
Signed: Signed 'Leunig' lower right
Comes with Letter of Provenance
Inscribed in pen and pencil top right: 100% 50%.
Condition: Very Good: Small spot of discolouration in bottom left corner, commensurate with materiality of work. There are no tears to paper surface and image surface is in Excellent condition.
 
(c) The Artist or Assignee