Leo was a giant among New Yorker cartoonists, publishing 819 cartoons in the magazine from 1977 to the time of his untimely death in 2010, many of which delved into the personification of animals. This piece, featuring a "cat author" on late-night TV, was published in the New Yorker on February 14, 1983, with the caption, "I know a lot of people will say, 'Oh no -- not another book about cats."
Sharpie pen and black ink wash on 11" x 14" Bristol Board. The font of this piece contains corner production markings and the entire piece is protected by a brown paper overlay. The caption is covered with brown paper for production purposes but is visible through the paper. New Yorker copyright sticker and artist's stamp on the reverse side along with a few production notes. Excellent condition.
Leo Cullum's original New Yorker work is extremely rare. This piece derives from the private collection of his family.