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 1979. (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 oil over gouache and acrylic on illustration board, 19" x 13.25"  and comes with a label attesting to its authenticity signed by Pether's widow, mounted to the back.   I am listing all 5 covers Pether did for this known author, all of them beautifully rendered and detailed.