This is the original cover painting for a novel by Dame Mary Durack - an Australian author and historian - several of whose books Pether memorably illustrated for Corgi Books, for their paperback editions - this one dating from 1985. (I show the cover for reference) The Durack family were pioneers in the settlement of Australia by Europeans - and Mary chronicled the story of her family's history, beginning with the mid-19th century migration from Ireland, as well as other historical events, in novel form.   Hand-painted in gouache and acrylic on illustration board, an impressive 28" x 20"  and comes with a label attesting to its authenticity signed by Pether's widow, mounted to the back.  Some wear and tear to the surface, but overall a beautiful image. I am showing a sampling of the 5 covers Pether did for this known author, all of them beautifully rendered and detailed.  if you are interested in seeing more, let me know!