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.

‘THE ATHLETE’ is a vestige from Australian history, drawn during the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Perhaps a length on the extraordinary demands of the Olympics or the pressure placed on Australian athletes to perform, the work is witty and thought-provoking. What deals are struck in the quest for glory?

As special as it is rare, ‘THE ATHLETE’ 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)
'THE ATHLETE' c. 2000
ink on paper
Image Size: 17 x 24 cm
Paper Dimensions: 21 x 29 cm
Signed: 'Leunig' in lower right of margin. 
Comes with Letter of Provenance
Condition: Very Good: Some small marks and white out commensurate with the work's materiality and reflective of the artist's process. Does not detract from the image. Inscribed in right margin: "To David Dale S.M.H."; inscribed and whited out in left margin: "To Lorna Edwards SUBS". Inscriptions lie outside of the image margins and may be easily concealed with a matt.

(c) The Artist or Assignee