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 (Killer Cat)’ is a delightfully mischievous drawing. Leunig draws a cat caught in the act of murder, ears pricked like devil horns. The victim is a bird and the only witness is the moon. Playful and witty, the work speaks to a prescient debate in Australian culture – how to manage the threat to birdlife presented by feral and outdoor cats?

As special as it is rare, ‘Untitled (Killer Cat)’ is a jewel for admirers of Leunig, collectors of important works on paper or those with killer cats. It is simple yet clever, provenanced from the Leunig family’s private collection and wickedly cute.

Michael LEUNIG (1945 - 2024)
'Untitled (Killer Cat)'
ink on paper
Image Size: 5 x 6 cm
Dimensions: 20 x 19 cm
Comes with Letter of Provenance
Drawn on torn paper, dimensions variable. Inscribed in pen in margins: Peter Lawson; PIZ SS; Theologians Letter

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