The Archibald Prize: Painting Australians

By Niall Roeder

The Archibald, Australia’s oldest and most prestigious portraiture prize and arguably most recognised painting prize, is back again.

The first Archie was awarded in 1921. J.F. Archibald, the co-founder and original editor of long-standing Australian business magazine The Bulletin, suggested a national portrait prize and from that idea the concept began… Unfortunately for him the inaugural prize was given two years after his death. Poor bugger.

The subjects in the entered works are often prominent figures in Australian culture from all walks of life – from musicians, to politicians, sport stars to celebrities. Recent winners have beautifully depicted the likes of Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu, Penelope Seidler, Hugo Weaving and Margaret Olley.

Entries can also be a portrait of the artist themselves, which spawns the realisation that selfies have been around a lot longer than most people think. Note to self – self-portrait paintings are the original selfies.

Anyone is free to enter The Archibald Prize (so democratic), which is awarded to “the best portrait, preferentially of some man or woman distinguished in Art, Letters, Science or Politics, painted by an artist resident in Australia during the twelve months preceding the date fixed by the trustees for sending in the pictures”. The entrants are judged by the trustees of the Art Gallery of NSW, with a winner announced in September set to take home a tidy $75,000

As well as the Archibald, there are three other prizes given by the Art Gallery of NSW; the Wynne (best landscape painting of Australian scenery, or figure sculpture), Sulman (best subject painting, genre painting or mural project) and the Young Archie (portrait prize for artists aged 5-18).

There is of course one more, the Packing Room Prize, which is selected by the staff unpacking and hanging the art as it’s delivered. This year’s Packing Room Prize (below) went to Bruno Jean Grasswill’s charismatic depiction of actor Michael Caton.

For those looking to treat themselves to an art indulgent getaway, QT Sydney can provide the complete experience. Located in the heart of the bustling city, the historical hotel building itself is filled with a wide range of original and unique artworks and the Art Gallery of NSW is only a short skip away.

Header image “Delivered” by Sophia Hewson

Image 1 “Me” by Richard Bell

Image 2 “Daniel Johns” by Julian Meagher

Image 3 “Romanticide ‒ portrait of Abbe May” by Angus McDonald

Image 4 “Michael Caton” by Bruno Jean Grasswill