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.

‘Untitled (Episodes of Compassion)’ is an original drawing for a newspaper cartoon. It is quintessential Leunig – a humorous yet thought-provoking observation told in eight parts. A man frets at the onset of a rare condition, compassion, to which his doctor prescribes xenophobia. But no luck, perhaps the man is the victim of abuse, of “too much love and understanding as a child.”

As special as it is rare, ‘Untitled (Episodes of Compassion)’ is a jewel for admirers of Leunig, collectors of important works on paper or those suffering from a nasty bout of compassion. It is provenanced from the Leunig family’s private collection and hand-signed by the artist.

Michael LEUNIG (1945 - 2024)
'Untitled (Episodes of Compassion)'
ink on paper
Image Size: 18 x 24 cm
Dimensions: 21 x 30 cm
Signed: Signed 'Leunig' inside bottom right margin
Comes with Letter of Provenance

Condition: Excellent

(c) The Artist or Assignee