This sketch of The L Tree was recently discovered in the State Library. Completed by the artist accompanying Havenden Healy’s 1852 expedition seeking evidence of Ludwig Leichhardt’s disappearance. Executed by ( name unclear ) either Rob Holden, Ron Holden or Thornton Throssel. ( Tomato sauce stains courtesy of the post lunch State Library Conservator).
Inscription on reverse reads…… On the Escarpment leading from The Great Sandy Desert to the Tanami, we found a TREE with an L carved in the trunk. Confusion reigned on the discovery of Luddi loves Leopold incised on the back of the tree. We took it to be either a declaration of loyalty to the German Emperor or an affirmation regarding a Prussian soccer team. The Mystery deepens !
( P.S. A heart exists in the middle of the painting. Hoozah for Ludwig )
The L Tree.
81cm X 102cm. Acrylic, paint pens, ink, watercolour crayons and pencil on board.