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.

With ‘Untitled – How To Sit In This Chair’, Leunig extends his characteristic wit and whimsical draftsmanship into the sculptural realm. In doing so, the cartoonist-cum-artist transforms a ubiquitous functional object into a narrative artwork, Leunig overlays a simple wooden chair with his signature hand-painted text and figures, offering an absurdist “user guide” to the act of sitting.

The piece disarms with humour, yet beneath its playful façade lies Leunig’s enduring engagement with the rituals of everyday life, the search for stillness, and the human need for gentle reminders to pause and ‘relax.’ His instantly recognisable line work and dry humour animate the surface, turning the chair into both an object of contemplation and a conversation piece.

As a rare three-dimensional example of Leunig’s practice, this work bridges the worlds of design, cartooning, and fine art. It holds particular appeal for collectors seeking pieces that embody both cultural significance and conceptual depth—a true artefact of Leunig’s unique place in Australian visual culture.

Michael LEUNIG (1945 - 2024)
'Untitled (How To Sit In This Chair)'
oil on board
Dimensions: 84 x 45 x 55 cm
Signed: signed 'Leunig' lower right of seat
Comes with Letter of Provenance

Condition: Very Good: Describes a work of art's image as Excellent, but may show some small signs of surrounding wear to paper or frame. There are no tears to paper margin or disruption to the paint surface.

(c) The Artist or Assignee