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. In this rare collection of hand-crafted cartoons, Leunig’s artistic beginnings are unveiled. Unendingly honest and bitingly comedic, these early-career works are a testament to Leunig’s longstanding ability to confront audiences’ sensibilities while still making them laugh.

In ‘Political arousal…anyone’, Leunig creates a vibrant narrative. Using his signature satirical style, the artist re-imagines the 1969 Australian federal election as a stage show, one that is rudely interrupted by the arrival of Albert Langer and the Monash Labour Club. Comedic in its absurdity, this cartoon is rich in political context, and is a vivid reflection of Leunig’s own political and philosophical beliefs. Assembled from individually drawn panels and signed by the artist himself, this work is classically Leunig, offering a glimpse into his creative process.

This cartoon was created for the short-lived political magazine ‘Broadside’, published in 1969. This Melbourne-based fortnightly bulletin was headed by politician, activist and journalist Pete Steedman and owned by The Age newspaper. Often shocking and divisive, and always politically charged, this publication only ran for around seven months.

These works are rare to market and instantly reflective of the 1969 political landscape. For lovers of Leunig, those fascinated by the history of Australian politics, or collectors of political cartoons, this cartoon is a jewel to find.

Michael LEUNIG (1945 - 2024)
'Political arousal...anyone?' 1969
mixed media on paper
Image Size: 37 x 57 cm
Dimensions: 57 x 74 x 2 cm
Signed: Signed 'Leunig' in bottom right corner of image

Comes with Letter of Provenance

Condition: Good. As expected with age, the work would benefit from conservation. We can engage a highly regarded conservator to sensitively restore it to good condition.

(c) The Artist or Assignee