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 ‘Untitled (State Schools and Religious Schools)’, Leunig uses his signature satirical style to take a critical lens to the formal structures and attitudes of high schools. Illustrating a comedic scene between an ambitious high school principal and a failing Year 12 student, Leunig humorously alludes to the skewed priorities of school systems in 1969 Australia, a sentiment that still remains relevant today. Assembled from individually drawn panels, and signed off from the witty voice of the artist himself, this work is classically Leunig and vividly reflective of his artistic process.

This cartoon was created for the short-lived political magazine ‘Broadside’ and featured in the September 4th, 1969 issue. 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, ‘Untitled (State Schools and Religious Schools)’ is a jewel to discover.

Michael LEUNIG (1945 - 2024)
'Untitled (State Schools and Religious Schools)' 1969
mixed media on paper
Image Size: 25 x 37 cm
Dimensions: 43 x 55 x 2 cm
Signed: Signed 'Leunig' in bottom right corner of image
Comes with Letter of Provenance
Published in Broadside in September 4th, 1969 p. 20-21.

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