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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons.

Essential portraiture

Michael Desmond in conversation with University of Houston professor of philosophy Cynthia Freeland.

More information on Essential portraiture

Selected images

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Staffordshire bull terrier belonging to the Rev. John Gower, 1851
Staffordshire bull terrier belonging to the Rev. John Gower, 1851
Madame X (Madame Pierre Gautreau), 1883-84
Madame X (Madame Pierre Gautreau), 1883-84
Portrait of Innocent X, 1650
Portrait of Innocent X, 1650
Georgia O'Keeffe - Hands, 1919
Georgia O'Keeffe - Hands, 1919
Georgia O'Keeffe - Hands and Breasts, 1919
Georgia O'Keeffe - Hands and Breasts, 1919
Sir Winston Churchill makes a speech of thanks to MPs on 30 November 1954 after being presented with the portrait Graham Sutherland a gift on his 80th birthday
Sir Winston Churchill makes a speech of thanks to MPs on 30 November 1954 after being presented with the portrait Graham Sutherland a gift on his 80th birthday
Mother, Bradford Yorkshire 4th May 1982, 1982
Mother, Bradford Yorkshire 4th May 1982, 1982
7 images
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© National Portrait Gallery 2025
King Edward Terrace, Parkes
Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.

This website comprises and contains copyrighted materials and works. Copyright in all materials and/or works comprising or contained within this website remains with the National Portrait Gallery and other copyright owners as specified.

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