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 (Terracotta Warriors)’ is an original drawing for a cartoon. A line of Leunig’s characters queue up to meet a line of terracotta warriors – the humans appear wide-eyed and innocent, stark opposites to the rigid soldiers. Tender and thought-provoking, this drawing is perhaps a meditation on the tension between militarised systems and human nature.

As special as it is rare, ‘Untitled (Terracotta Warriors)’ is a jewel for admirers of Leunig and collectors of important works on paper. It is recognisably by the artist, provenanced from the Leunig family’s private collection and hand-signed.

Michael LEUNIG (1945 - 2024)
'Untitled (Terracotta Warriors)'
ink on paper
Image Size: 19 x 3 cm
Dimensions: 21 x 10 cm
Signed: Signed lower right: Leunig; Stamped with date lower right: 23 DEC 1982
Comes with Letter of Provenance
Drawn on a folded piece of paper, dimensions: 25 x 21 cm.

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