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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.

Martin Grant
Martin Grant
Martin Grant

Martin Grant, 2004

Julian Kingma
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2006

Charlie, 2017 by Lee Grant

Charlie, 2017

by Lee Grant
Image
Clare and Bella, 2010 by Lee Grant

Clare and Bella, 2010

by Lee Grant
Image
The Duots: a family portrait, 2009 by Lee Grant

The Duots: a family portrait, 2009

by Lee Grant
Image
Zara, 18, Babinda, FNQ. From the series 'The Land of Oz', 2018 by Lee Grant

Zara, 18, Babinda, FNQ. From the series 'The Land of Oz', 2018

by Lee Grant
Image
She Fell Asleep During the Movie, 2006 by Grant Hawkes

She Fell Asleep During the Movie, 2006

by Grant Hawkes
Image
Grant Mudford
Grant Mudford
Grant Mudford

Grant Mudford, n.d.

Max Dupain OBE
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper laid down on cardboard mount

Gift of Danina Dupain Anderson 2021. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

James Macpherson Grant
James Macpherson Grant
James Macpherson Grant

James Macpherson Grant, c. 1870s

Paterson Brothers
Portrait, carte de visite photograph

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of John McPhee 2018

Jimmy Barnes at The Coogee Bay Hotel
Jimmy Barnes at The Coogee Bay Hotel
Jimmy Barnes at The Coogee Bay Hotel

Jimmy Barnes at The Coogee Bay Hotel, 1984

Grant Matthews
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Gift of John McLean 2008

A Politician
A Politician
A Politician

A Politician "Unlock the Lands!" [The Hon. James MacPhearson Grant], 1874

Tom Durkin, The Weekly Times
Portrait, lithograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2016

Grant McLennan

Grant (No. 3 of Robert, Lindy, Grant)

Jenny Watson
Image
Stan Grant and Tracey Holmes, 2020 Nic Walker

Stan Grant and Tracey Holmes

Nic Walker
Image
Stan Grant and Tracey Holmes
Stan Grant and Tracey Holmes
Stan Grant and Tracey Holmes

Stan Grant and Tracey Holmes, 2020

Nic Walker
Portrait, archival pigment print on Canson Edition Etching cotton rag paper

Gift of the artist 2021

Charles Joseph La Trobe
Charles Joseph La Trobe
Charles Joseph La Trobe

Charles Joseph La Trobe, c. 1857

Samuel Bellin after Francis Grant
Portrait, mezzotint on paper

Purchased 2010

Robert, Lindy, Grant
Robert, Lindy, Grant
Robert, Lindy, Grant

Robert, Lindy, Grant, 1981

Jenny Watson
Portrait, oil on canvas board (triptych)

Purchased 2002

Robert, Lindy, Grant

Face the music

Magazine article by Christine Clark, 2005

Drawn from the Gallery's collection, the exhibition Face the Music explores the remarkable talents and achievements of Australian musicians, composers, conductors and celebrities associated with the music industry.

Cate Blanchett, 2006 by Martin Schoeller

Martin Schoeller

Close up
Previous exhibition, 2010

German-born American photographer Martin Schoeller's first exhibition in Australia presents compelling large-scale portraits. The exhibition explores human identity through photographs of individuals accustomed and unaccustomed to the spotlight.

The way out is the way through, 2010 by Richard Martin

The way out is the way through, 2010

by Richard Martin
Image
Will, 2010 by Martin Smith

Will, 2010

by Martin Smith
Image
Martin Sharp

Martin Sharp part two

In their own words
In their own words

Recorded 1970

Martin Sharp

Martin Sharp part one

In their own words
In their own words

Recorded 1970

My pregnant wife, 2006 by Regis Martin

My pregnant wife, 2006

by Regis Martin
Image
Archie Roach, 2019 Martin Philbey

Archie Roach, 2019

Martin Philbey
Image
Wainburranga (Paddy Fordham)
Wainburranga (Paddy Fordham)
Wainburranga (Paddy Fordham)

Wainburranga (Paddy Fordham), 1986

Martin van der Wal
Portrait, inkjet print on rag paper

Purchased 2005

Stage dive, 2021 Martin Philbey

Stage dive

Martin Philbey
Image
Martin Sharp - Graceland, 2013 by Jon Lewis

Martin Sharp - Graceland, 2013

by Jon Lewis
Image
Rover Thomas
Rover Thomas
Rover Thomas

Rover Thomas, 1986

Martin van der Wal
Portrait, inkjet print on rag paper

Purchased 2005

Young Mo (Roy Rene)

'The artist's notebook'
Portrait story

An interview with Australian artist and collector of quirky artefacts, Martin Sharp.

Jimmy Wululu
Jimmy Wululu
Jimmy Wululu

Jimmy Wululu, 1986

Martin van der Wal
Portrait, inkjet print on rag paper

Purchased 2005

James Iyuna
James Iyuna
James Iyuna

James Iyuna, 1986

Martin van der Wal
Portrait, inkjet print on rag paper

Purchased 2005

Dan Sultan
Dan Sultan
Dan Sultan

Dan Sultan, 2011

Martin Philbey
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Purchased with funds provided by Ruth and Peter McMullin 2013

Paddy Dhathangu
Paddy Dhathangu
Paddy Dhathangu

Paddy Dhathangu, 1986

Martin van der Wal
Portrait, inkjet print on rag paper

Purchased 2005

Wainburranga (Paddy Fordham)

Big shots

Magazine article by Djon Mundine OAM, 2017

Djon Mundine OAM brings poignant memory and context to Martin van der Wal’s 1986 portrait photographs of storied Aboriginal artists.

John Mawurndjul
John Mawurndjul
John Mawurndjul

John Mawurndjul, 1986

Martin van der Wal
Portrait, inkjet print on rag paper

Purchased 2005

John Bulunbulun
John Bulunbulun
John Bulunbulun

John Bulunbulun, 1986

Martin van der Wal
Portrait, inkjet print on rag paper

Purchased 2005

Phillip Gudthaykudthay
Phillip Gudthaykudthay
Phillip Gudthaykudthay

Phillip Gudthaykudthay, 1986

Martin van der Wal
Portrait, inkjet print on rag paper

Purchased 2005

Dame Zaha Hadid, 2008 Michael Craig-Martin

Dame Zaha Hadid

Michael Craig-Martin
Image
George Milpurrurru
George Milpurrurru
George Milpurrurru

George Milpurrurru, 1986

Martin van der Wal
Portrait, inkjet print on rag paper

Purchased 2005

image not online

Fuzzy Leo (Leo Schofield), c. 2000

Martin Wilson
Portrait, woven shag pile rug

Gift of Nell Schofield 2020. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Martin Sharp by Garry Shead

Portrait story

Artists Garry Shead and Martin Sharp recount their friendship and the creation of Martin's portrait.

Martin Manca, 2019 Benny Capp

Martin Manca, 2019

Benny Capp
Image
Mandy Martin
Mandy Martin
Mandy Martin

Mandy Martin, 1990

Anne Zahalka
Portrait, type C Duraflex print on paper

Gift of Leo Christie 2003. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Martin Sharp
Martin Sharp
Martin Sharp

Martin Sharp, 1986

Garry Shead
Portrait, oil on canvas

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2004
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program

Catherine Martin
Catherine Martin
Catherine Martin

Catherine Martin, 2001 (printed 2006)

Douglas Kirkland
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Gift of the artist 2006

Martin Sharp
Martin Sharp
Martin Sharp

Martin Sharp, 1980

William Yang
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Purchased 2003

Martin Sharp
Martin Sharp
Martin Sharp

Martin Sharp, c. 1974

Greg Weight
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Gift of Patrick Corrigan AM 2004. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Martin Sharp
Martin Sharp
Martin Sharp

Martin Sharp, 1993

Greg Weight
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Gift of Patrick Corrigan AM 2004. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Martin Sharp
Martin Sharp
Martin Sharp

Martin Sharp, 1971

Greg Weight
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Gift of Patrick Corrigan AM 2004. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Martin Sharp
Martin Sharp
Martin Sharp

Martin Sharp, 1971

Greg Weight
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Gift of Patrick Corrigan AM 2004. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Get Wet series (Martin Plaza), 1979 Paul Worstead

Get Wet series (Martin Plaza)

Paul Worstead
Image
Aldo Giurgola
Aldo Giurgola
Aldo Giurgola

Aldo Giurgola, 2005

Mandy Martin
Portrait, ochre, pigment and oil on canvas (triptych)

Gift of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects 2005

Paul Kelly
Paul Kelly
Paul Kelly

Paul Kelly, 2007

Martin Philbey
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2008

Aldo Giurgola

A Life in Service

Magazine article by Mandy Martin, 2005

Artist Mandy Martin describes the creation of her portrait of Aldo Giurgola, principal architect of Australia's Parliament House.

Paul Grabowsky
Paul Grabowsky
Paul Grabowsky

Paul Grabowsky, 2009

Martin Philbey
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Commissioned with funds provided by Patrick Corrigan AM 2009

Paul Grabowsky
Paul Grabowsky
Paul Grabowsky

Paul Grabowsky, 2009

Martin Philbey
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Commissioned with funds provided by Patrick Corrigan AM 2009

Young Mo (Roy Rene)
Young Mo (Roy Rene)
Young Mo (Roy Rene)

Young Mo (Roy Rene), 1977

Martin Sharp
Portrait, oil on galvanised iron

Gift of Richard Wherrett 1998. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Martin Schoeller 2008

The God-shaped hole

Magazine article by Michael Desmond, 2010

Exploring the photographs of Martin Schoeller, Michael Desmond delves into the uneasy pact that exists between celebrity and the camera.

General Eva Burrows AC AO
General Eva Burrows AC AO
General Eva Burrows AC AO

General Eva Burrows AC AO, 2001

Gabrielle Martin
Portrait, oil on canvas

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Commissioned with funds provided by Marilyn Darling AC 2001

Jarinyanu David Downs
Jarinyanu David Downs
Jarinyanu David Downs

Jarinyanu David Downs, 1986

Martin van der Wal
Portrait, inkjet print on rag paper

Purchased 2005

Study for the portrait of Aldo Giurgola
Study for the portrait of Aldo Giurgola
Study for the portrait of Aldo Giurgola

Study for the portrait of Aldo Giurgola, 2005

Mandy Martin
Portrait, gouache, fibre tip pen and natural pigment on colour photocopy

Gift of the artist 2005

David Malangi Daymirringu
David Malangi Daymirringu
David Malangi Daymirringu

David Malangi Daymirringu, 1986

Martin van der Wal
Portrait, inkjet print on rag paper

Purchased 2005

Paddy Jaminji
Paddy Jaminji
Paddy Jaminji

Paddy Jaminji, 1986

Martin van der Wal
Portrait, inkjet print on rag paper

Purchased 2005

Preparatory study for General Eva Burrows AC AO
Preparatory study for General Eva Burrows AC AO
Preparatory study for General Eva Burrows AC AO

Preparatory study for General Eva Burrows AC AO, 2001

Gabrielle Martin
Portrait, charcoal and pastel on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Commissioned with funds provided by Marilyn Darling AC 2001

image not online

John Wolseley, old master, 2020

Martin King
Portrait, watercolour, tempera, wax, hard cover book and thread

Gift of the artist 2023. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Preparatory study for General Eva Burrows AC AO
Preparatory study for General Eva Burrows AC AO
Preparatory study for General Eva Burrows AC AO

Preparatory study for General Eva Burrows AC AO, 2001

Gabrielle Martin
Portrait, charcoal and pastel on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Commissioned with funds provided by Marilyn Darling AC 2001

Parabéri
Parabéri
Parabéri

Parabéri, c. 1807

Nicolas-Martin Petit
Portrait, engraving, hand coloured on paper

Purchased 2011

Preparatory study for General Eva Burrows AC AO
Preparatory study for General Eva Burrows AC AO
Preparatory study for General Eva Burrows AC AO

Preparatory study for General Eva Burrows AC AO, 2001

Gabrielle Martin
Portrait, pencil on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Commissioned with funds provided by Marilyn Darling AC 2001

Marty's living room, 2020 Benny Capp

Marty's living room

Benny Capp
Image
Dr. Arthur Martin a'Beckett
Dr. Arthur Martin a'Beckett
Dr. Arthur Martin a'Beckett

Dr. Arthur Martin a'Beckett, c. 1840

an unknown artist
Portrait, pastel on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2014

Dr. Arthur Martin a'Beckett
Dr. Arthur Martin a'Beckett
Dr. Arthur Martin a'Beckett

Dr. Arthur Martin a'Beckett, 1845

Charles Abraham
Portrait, cast plaster

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2014

Jack Lang
Jack Lang
Jack Lang

Jack Lang, 1970

Adam Martin
Portrait, oil on canvas

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Elsie Martin 2000

Paul Grabowsky

Feel the music

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2010

Dr Christopher Chapman discusses the portrait of Australian composer Paul Grabowsky by photographer Martin Philbey.

Cour-rou-bari-gal
Cour-rou-bari-gal
Cour-rou-bari-gal

Cour-rou-bari-gal, 1807

Nicolas-Martin Petit after Barthélemy Roger
Portrait, engraving, hand coloured on paper

Purchased with funds provided by Ross A Field 2008

Martin Sharp

Oz and beyond

Magazine article by Diana Warnes, 2007

Martin Sharp fulfils the Pop art idiom of merging art and life.

Y-erran-gou-la-ga
Y-erran-gou-la-ga
Y-erran-gou-la-ga

Y-erran-gou-la-ga, published 1807

Nicolas-Martin Petit after Barthélemy Roger
Portrait, engraving, hand coloured on paper

Purchased with funds provided by Ross A Field 2008

Sir James Martin
Sir James Martin
Sir James Martin

Sir James Martin, c. 1880s

Henry Samuel Sadd after Freeman Brothers
Portrait, mezzotint on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased with funds provided by L Gordon Darling AC CMG 2009

Oui-re-kine
Oui-re-kine
Oui-re-kine

Oui-re-kine, 1807-1817

Barthélemy Roger after Nicolas-Martin Petit
Portrait, engraving on paper

Purchased 2009

Nouvelle-Hollane: N.lle Galles de Sud. Ourou-Maraé, dit bull-dog par leas Anglais, Jeune guerrier de la Tribu des Gwea-Gal (New Holland: New South Wales. Ouron Marae, called Bull Dog by the English. a young Warrior of the Gwea Gal tribe)
Nouvelle-Hollane: N.lle Galles de Sud. Ourou-Maraé, dit bull-dog par leas Anglais, Jeune guerrier de la Tribu des Gwea-Gal (New Holland: New South Wales. Ouron Marae, called Bull Dog by the English. a young Warrior of the Gwea Gal tribe)
Nouvelle-Hollane: N.lle Galles de Sud. Ourou-Maraé, dit bull-dog par leas Anglais, Jeune guerrier de la Tribu des Gwea-Gal (New Holland: New South Wales. Ouron Marae, called Bull Dog by the English. a young Warrior of the Gwea Gal tribe)

Nouvelle-Hollane: N.lle Galles de Sud. Ourou-Maraé, dit bull-dog par leas Anglais, Jeune guerrier de la Tribu des Gwea-Gal (New Holland: New South Wales. Ouron Marae, called Bull Dog by the English. a young Warrior of the Gwea Gal tribe), c. 1800

B Roger after Nicolas-Martin Petit
Portrait, colour printed stipple engraving on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2013

Nourou-gal-derri
Nourou-gal-derri
Nourou-gal-derri

Nourou-gal-derri, 1807-1817

Nicolas-Martin Petit after Barthélemy Roger
Portrait, engraving on paper

Purchased 2009

Ourou-Maré, dit Bull-Dog par les Anglais, Jeune Guerrier de la Tribu des Gwé-Gal
Ourou-Maré, dit Bull-Dog par les Anglais, Jeune Guerrier de la Tribu des Gwé-Gal
Ourou-Maré, dit Bull-Dog par les Anglais, Jeune Guerrier de la Tribu des Gwé-Gal

Ourou-Maré, dit Bull-Dog par les Anglais, Jeune Guerrier de la Tribu des Gwé-Gal, 1807-1817

Barthélemy Roger after Nicolas-Martin Petit
Portrait, engraving on paper

Purchased 2009

N.T. Ranger Uranium: Preparatory study for 'Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground'
N.T. Ranger Uranium: Preparatory study for 'Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground'
N.T. Ranger Uranium: Preparatory study for 'Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground'

N.T. Ranger Uranium: Preparatory study for 'Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground', 2001

eX de Medici
Portrait, pencil on paper

Commissioned with funds from the Basil Bressler Bequest 2001

Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground
Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground
Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground

Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground, 2001

eX de Medici
Portrait, mangrove bark pigment, watercolour and gouache on vellum

Commissioned with funds from the Basil Bressler Bequest 2001

Head studies: Preparatory study for 'Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground'
Head studies: Preparatory study for 'Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground'
Head studies: Preparatory study for 'Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground'

Head studies: Preparatory study for 'Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground', 2001

eX de Medici
Portrait, pencil on paper

Commissioned with funds from the Basil Bressler Bequest 2001

'Come + see the real thing, come + see' Conquistadors parts Hong. Ranger 3: Preparatory study for 'Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground'
'Come + see the real thing, come + see' Conquistadors parts Hong. Ranger 3: Preparatory study for 'Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground'
'Come + see the real thing, come + see' Conquistadors parts Hong. Ranger 3: Preparatory study for 'Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground'

'Come + see the real thing, come + see' Conquistadors parts Hong. Ranger 3: Preparatory study for 'Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground', 2001

eX de Medici
Portrait, mangrove bark pigment and pencil on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Commissioned with funds from the Basil Bressler Bequest 2001

Test #1 Ranger 3 Pit Mine Kakadu, N.T.: Preparatory study for 'Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground'
Test #1 Ranger 3 Pit Mine Kakadu, N.T.: Preparatory study for 'Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground'
Test #1 Ranger 3 Pit Mine Kakadu, N.T.: Preparatory study for 'Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground'

Test #1 Ranger 3 Pit Mine Kakadu, N.T.: Preparatory study for 'Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground', 2001

eX de Medici
Portrait, mangrove bark pigment on vellum

Commissioned with funds from the Basil Bressler Bequest 2001

M.O. Ranger 3: Preparatory study for 'Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground'
M.O. Ranger 3: Preparatory study for 'Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground'
M.O. Ranger 3: Preparatory study for 'Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground'

M.O. Ranger 3: Preparatory study for 'Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground', 2001

eX de Medici
Portrait, watercolour, gouache and pencil on paper

Commissioned with funds from the Basil Bressler Bequest 2001

Preparatory study for 'Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground'
Preparatory study for 'Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground'
Preparatory study for 'Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground'

Preparatory study for 'Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground', 2001

eX de Medici
Portrait, watercolour on paper

Commissioned with funds from the Basil Bressler Bequest 2001

Test #4 Broadhead and Wing Pattern: Preparatory study for 'Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground'
Test #4 Broadhead and Wing Pattern: Preparatory study for 'Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground'
Test #4 Broadhead and Wing Pattern: Preparatory study for 'Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground'

Test #4 Broadhead and Wing Pattern: Preparatory study for 'Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground', 2001

eX de Medici
Portrait, watercolour, gouache, mangrove bark dye with alum on vellum

Commissioned with funds from the Basil Bressler Bequest 2001

Test #2 Ranger 3 Pit Mine Kakadu, N.T.: Preparatory study for 'Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground'
Test #2 Ranger 3 Pit Mine Kakadu, N.T.: Preparatory study for 'Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground'
Test #2 Ranger 3 Pit Mine Kakadu, N.T.: Preparatory study for 'Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground'

Test #2 Ranger 3 Pit Mine Kakadu, N.T.: Preparatory study for 'Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground', 2001

eX de Medici
Portrait, mangrove reduced bark dye (no alum) on unsanded vellum

Commissioned with funds from the Basil Bressler Bequest 2001

Creatures of Leisure
Creatures of Leisure
Creatures of Leisure

Creatures of Leisure, 1982

Paul Worstead
Portrait, 5 screenprints on paper

Get Wet Series
Get Wet Series
Get Wet Series

Get Wet Series, 1979

Paul Worstead
Portrait, five screenprints on paper

Purchased with funds provided by the Basil Bressler Bequest 2001

Gnoung-a-gnoung-a Mour-re-mour-ga (dit Collins)
Gnoung-a-gnoung-a Mour-re-mour-ga (dit Collins)
Gnoung-a-gnoung-a Mour-re-mour-ga (dit Collins)

Gnoung-a-gnoung-a Mour-re-mour-ga (dit Collins), 1807-1817

Nicolas-Martin Petit after Barthélemy Roger
Portrait, engraving on paper

Purchased 2009

Voyage de Découvertes aux Terres Australes folio atlas (second edition)
Voyage de Découvertes aux Terres Australes folio atlas (second edition)
Voyage de Découvertes aux Terres Australes folio atlas (second edition)

Voyage de Découvertes aux Terres Australes folio atlas (second edition), 1824

Francois Peron, Louis de Freycinet, Nicolas-Martin Petit
Portrait, leather bound volume containing a double-page map of Australia, seven full-page charts, two double-page views, 27 hand-coloured engraving plates and 31 uncoloured engraving plates

Purchased 2017

John Mitchel with John Martin and Father John Kenyon [the three Johns]
John Mitchel with John Martin and Father John Kenyon [the three Johns]
John Mitchel with John Martin and Father John Kenyon [the three Johns]

John Mitchel with John Martin and Father John Kenyon [the three Johns], 1866

Edouard Gatel
Portrait, carte de visite photograph

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2016

Martin, 2006 by Gregory McBean

Martin, 2006

by Gregory McBean
Image
Matthew Martin, 2013 by Andrew Cowen

Matthew Martin, 2013

by Andrew Cowen
Image
Martin Mishkulnig, 2006 by Ingvar Kenne

Martin Mishkulnig, 2006

by Ingvar Kenne
Image
Brooke Lockett, Heidi Martin, Karen Nanasca and Halaina Hills, NYC, 2012 Lisa Tomasetti

Brooke Lockett, Heidi Martin, Karen Nanasca and Halaina Hills, NYC

Lisa Tomasetti
Image
Leonora Carrington, St. Martin d'Ardèche, France, 1939 Lee Miller

Leonora Carrington, St. Martin d'Ardèche, France

Lee Miller
Image
Robert, Lindy, Grant

Immediately, there was a crackle

It's Complicated

A meeting of minds

Lindy Morrison

Lindy (No. 2 of Robert, Lindy, Grant)

Jenny Watson
Image
Robert Foster

Robert (No. 1 of Robert, Lindy, Grant)

Jenny Watson
Image

Aldo Giurgola

by Mandy Martin
Portrait story

Romaldo Giurgola talks about his portrait and the relationship between architecture and landscape.

Catherine Martin

The love, life and art of Bazmark

Passion

Fruitful fusion

The Hon. Edward Gough Whitlam by Martin Wilson

Fuzzy Prime Ministers of Australia

Previous exhibition, 2001

In the one hundred years since Federation, Australia has produced twenty-five Prime Ministers of all shapes, shades and sizes

All that fall artist interviews video: 4 minutes

All that fall artist interviews

General content

Lawrence English, Ellis Hutch and Lee Grant talk about the works they created for All that fall.

Andrew Cowen

Andrew Cowen

Winner, National Photographic Portrait Prize 2014
General content

Andrew Cowen on photographing his friend Matthew Martin.

Exhibition essays

General content

Featuring contributions from Pat Jalland, Raimond Gaita, Lee Grant, Christopher Chapman, and Anne Sanders.

Matthew Martin, 2013 by Andrew Cowen

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2014

Previous exhibition, 2014

The National Photographic Portrait Prize exhibition is selected from a national field of entries that reflect the distinctive vision of Australia's aspiring and professional portrait photographers and the unique nature of their subjects.

Portrait 23

March - May 2007
Magazine

This issue of Portrait Magazine features the Reveries: On Photography and Mortality exhibition, Peter Cosgrove, Martin Sharp, Terence Tao and more.

Portrait 38

December 2010 - February 2011
Magazine

This issue features Martin Schoeller, Bess Norriss Tait, Emanuel Solomon and the sisters of St Joseph, Rennie Ellis and AC/DC, John Brack and more.

Miss Elizabeth Roberts
Miss Elizabeth Roberts
Miss Elizabeth Roberts

Miss Elizabeth Roberts, 1830

Richard Read Jnr
Portrait, watercolour on ivory

Purchased 2013

The photographers

General content

The eight photographers represent diverse styles, specialities and career paths. Abigail Varney, Peter Brew-Bevan, Martin Philbey, John Tsiavis, Michelle Day, Julian Kingma, and Giovanni Lovisetto.

Steve Kilbey
Steve Kilbey
Steve Kilbey

Steve Kilbey, 1981 (printed 2018)

Gary Ede
Portrait, inkjet print on paper

Purchased with funds provided by Wayne Williams 2018

Richard Rouse (copy of drawing by William Griffith)
Richard Rouse (copy of drawing by William Griffith)
Richard Rouse (copy of drawing by William Griffith)

Richard Rouse (copy of drawing by William Griffith), c. 1847

an unknown artist
Portrait, pencil, ink and watercolour on paper

Gift of Pamela Glasson 2009
Collected by Leila Haigh (nee Rouse)

Dusty and Jed, 2015 by Louise Whelan

Dusty and Jed, 2015

by Louise Whelan
Image
Self portrait

Meet the Artist

General content

In its uniting of artist and sitter, the self-portrait is an intriguing facet of portraiture. The self-reflection is a format that appears to grant the viewer the assurance of revelation and intimate access to the artist’s psyche.

Mick Molloy
Mick Molloy
Mick Molloy

Mick Molloy, 2009

Andrew Maccoll
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2009

Steven Bishop, performer by Nathalie Latham

Australia's Creative Diaspora

Photographed by Nathalie Latham
Previous exhibition, 2007

Paris based Australian photographer and filmmaker Nathalie Latham has an ongoing interest in the creative achievements of other Australian artists living in various locations around the globe.

Portrait of Brenda Niall
Portrait of Brenda Niall
Portrait of Brenda Niall

Portrait of Brenda Niall, 1997

Judy Cassab AO CBE
Portrait, oil on canvas laid on composition board

Gift of Dr Brenda Niall AO 2019. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Portrait of Nell #15
Portrait of Nell #15
Portrait of Nell #15

Portrait of Nell #15, 2009

Richard Larter
Portrait, synthetic polymer paint, gesso, binder medium, gel and glitter on canvas

Gift of Patrick Corrigan AM 2014

Richard Walsh, Editor OZ magazine at the Hunter Street offices
Richard Walsh, Editor OZ magazine at the Hunter Street offices
Richard Walsh, Editor OZ magazine at the Hunter Street offices

Richard Walsh, Editor OZ magazine at the Hunter Street offices, c. 1966 (printed 2021)

Robert McFarlane
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Purchased with funds provided by Tim Bednall 2021

Dan Sultan

Dan the man

Magazine article by India Bednall, 2015

Martin Philbey’s portrait of Dan Sultan.

Ryder Jack Susman in a Williamstown hairdresser by Abigail Varney

PROMO

Portraits from prime time
Previous exhibition, 2014

This exhibition goes behind-the-scenes and into the spotlight with professional photographers and the stars of Australian television, music and comedy. Whether negotiating the logistics of a big publicity shoot or quietly capturing moments on set during filming, the photographers' stories are intriguing and compelling.

Charlie, 2017 by Lee Grant

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2018 winner announced

23 March 2018
Archived media releases 2018

Finalists have been eagerly awaiting the announcement of the Winner and Highly Commended for the National Photographic Portrait Prize since December. It is our pleasure to announce the Winner for 2018 is Lee Grant for her portrait titled Charlie and Highly Commended has been awarded to Filomena Rizzo for her portrait titled My Olivia.

HM Queen Elizabeth II

Portrait story

Magazine article by Polly Borland, 2022

Photographer Polly Borland on capturing Queen Elizabeth II.

Paul Kelly, 1992 by Wendy McDougall

Paul Kelly and The Portraits

Previous exhibition, 2013

Aspects of singer songwriter Paul Kelly’s performance persona are communicated by portraits selected from a range of artists and leading music photographers in this focus exhibition.

Darling Portrait Prize 2024

Upcoming exhibition

The Darling Portrait Prize is a biennial national prize for Australian portrait painting honouring the legacy of Mr L Gordon Darling AC CMG (1921-2015). The winner receives a cash prize of $75,000.

Charles Windeyer
Charles Windeyer
Charles Windeyer

Charles Windeyer, 1830s

an unknown artist
Portrait, watercolour on paper

Gift of the Windeyer family 2009. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

image not online

Chips Rafferty, 1970

Anthony Browell
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2003

All that fall

Sacrifice, life and loss in the First World War
Previous exhibition, 2015

Focussing on the wide-ranging theme of loss and absence, this exhibition provides a moving ‘portrait’ of loss during the First World War on the Australian home front. Powerful symbolic images, including contemporary works, evoke the emotional intensity of loss. All that fall: Sacrifice, life and loss in the First World War is the National Portrait Gallery’s contribution to the Anzac Centenary.

Baz Luhrmann

Glossy 2

Faces, Magazines, Now
Previous exhibition, 2005

Following the success of Glossy: Faces, Magazines, Now in 1999 the National Portrait Gallery again highlights the huge array of contemporary portraiture in the pages of magazines.

Portrait 57

Winter 2017
Magazine

The discovery of Dempsey's People, Australian rugby greats, Athol Shmith's progressive pictures, and powerful Indigenous portraits.

Yousuf Karsh by George O'Neill

Karsh

Faces of the Twentieth Century
Previous exhibition, 1998

Yousuf Karsh - the most famous portrait photographer in the world - has photographed the statesmen, artists, literary and scientific figures who have defined the 20th century and shaped our lives, In this, his 90th year, the National Portrait Gallery is thrilled to present an exhibition of Karsh's photography of 20th century figures.

Abigail Varney

The inside story

General content

The photographers reveal the technical side of their work and reflect on changes in their profession. Now everyone has a camera in their pocket, is everyone a photographer? What is it like to sustain a career as a photographer in the entertainment industry? How do you work with celebrity subjects, negotiate the complex logistics of big shoots, and create captivating portraits under pressure?

Bernie McGann
Bernie McGann
Bernie McGann

Bernie McGann, 1999

Sage
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph, selenium toned on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 1999

Harry Belafonte, 1954 Dorothy Wilding

Harry Belafonte

Dorothy Wilding
Image
Don Burrows at work
Don Burrows at work
Don Burrows at work

Don Burrows at work, 1998

Barry Walsh
Portrait, oil on canvas

Purchased with funds donated by Patrick Corrigan 2000

The Witching Hour - Elena Kats-Chernin
The Witching Hour - Elena Kats-Chernin
The Witching Hour - Elena Kats-Chernin

The Witching Hour - Elena Kats-Chernin, 2017

Wendy Sharpe
Portrait, oil on canvas

Purchased with the assistance of funds provided by the Circle of Friends 2018

William Clark Haines, Premier of Victoria (Plate 12)
William Clark Haines, Premier of Victoria (Plate 12)
William Clark Haines, Premier of Victoria (Plate 12)

William Clark Haines, Premier of Victoria (Plate 12), 1857-1858

Antoine Fauchery, Richard Daintree
Portrait, albumen silver photograph on laid on cardboard

Purchased 2014

image not online

Shaun Gladwell (study), 2013

Fiona Lowry
Portrait, watercolour and gouache on paper

Gift of Patrick Corrigan AM 2014

Ann Mary Windeyer
Ann Mary Windeyer
Ann Mary Windeyer

Ann Mary Windeyer, 1847

G Ziegler
Portrait, pastel and gouache on paper laid down on backing sheet

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Joanna Russell Maher (née Windeyer) 2018

An Afternoon (Aunty Jenny Munro at the Redfern Aboriginal Tent Embassy)
An Afternoon (Aunty Jenny Munro at the Redfern Aboriginal Tent Embassy)
An Afternoon (Aunty Jenny Munro at the Redfern Aboriginal Tent Embassy)

An Afternoon (Aunty Jenny Munro at the Redfern Aboriginal Tent Embassy), 2015

Dr John Janson-Moore
Portrait, inkjet print on Hahnemühle photorag paper

Purchased 2022

Matthew Reilly
Matthew Reilly
Matthew Reilly

Matthew Reilly, 2006 (printed 2009)

Montalbetti + Campbell
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2009

Sir John McEwen
Sir John McEwen
Sir John McEwen

Sir John McEwen, n.d.

Louis Kahan AO
Portrait, fibre-tipped pen on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Mrs Lily Kahan 2017
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program

Sir John McEwen
Sir John McEwen
Sir John McEwen

Sir John McEwen, n.d.

Louis Kahan AO
Portrait, fibre-tipped pen on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Mrs Lily Kahan 2017
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program

Tim Storrier
Tim Storrier
Tim Storrier

Tim Storrier, 1995

Greg Weight
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Gift of Patrick Corrigan AM 2004. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Theresa Byrnes
Theresa Byrnes
Theresa Byrnes

Theresa Byrnes, 1999

Greg Weight
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Gift of Patrick Corrigan AM 2004. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Major Thomas Lord
Major Thomas Lord
Major Thomas Lord

Major Thomas Lord, c. 1840

Henry Mundy
Portrait, oil on canvas

Purchased 2015

Anne Boyd
Anne Boyd
Anne Boyd

Anne Boyd, 1977

Lewis Morley
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2003
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program

Angela Belgiorno-Zegna, 2001 by Salvatore Zofrea

Intimate Portraits

Previous exhibition, 2002

Intimate Portraits is an exhibition of paintings, drawings and prints that explore the less public side of portraiture

John Bell
John Bell
John Bell

John Bell, c. 1968

Greg Weight
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Gift of Patrick Corrigan AM 2004. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Jeanne Little
Jeanne Little
Jeanne Little

Jeanne Little, 1994 (printed 2021)

Robin Sellick
Portrait, inkjet print on paper

Purchased 2021

Jimmy Barnes at The Coogee Bay Hotel 1984 (detail) Grant Matthews

Pub Rock

Your backstage pass to 70s and 80s sounds and scenes
Previous exhibition, 2020

Celebrate the people, places and sounds of Australian pub rock and its enduring impact on our nation’s identity.

image not online

Acknowledgments

Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2023–25

The Gallery would like to acknowledge and thank the people who contributed their time and expertise to participate in the development of this DIAP.

Wandjuk Marika
Wandjuk Marika
Wandjuk Marika

Wandjuk Marika, 1979

Juno Gemes
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph, selenium toned on paper

Purchased 2004

The Hon Gough Whitlam, Ossie Cruse and Michael Anderson
The Hon Gough Whitlam, Ossie Cruse and Michael Anderson
The Hon Gough Whitlam, Ossie Cruse and Michael Anderson

The Hon Gough Whitlam, Ossie Cruse and Michael Anderson, 1981 (printed 2003)

Juno Gemes
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Gift of the artist 2005. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Henry
Henry
Henry

Henry "Seaman" Dan, 2009

Nathan Kelly
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Purchased 2010

Arthur Boyd, Bundanon, New South Wales
Arthur Boyd, Bundanon, New South Wales
Arthur Boyd, Bundanon, New South Wales

Arthur Boyd, Bundanon, New South Wales, 1995 (printed 2000)

David Moore
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
The series 'David Moore: From Face to Face' was acquired as a gift of the artist and with financial assistance from Timothy Fairfax AC and L Gordon Darling AC CMG 2001

The Honorable Sir Frederick Darley
The Honorable Sir Frederick Darley
The Honorable Sir Frederick Darley

The Honorable Sir Frederick Darley, c. 1887

Henry Samuel Sadd
Portrait, mezzotint on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased with funds provided by L Gordon Darling AC CMG 2009

Noah Taylor
Noah Taylor
Noah Taylor

Noah Taylor, 1994 (printed 2010)

Ross Honeysett
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2010

Chips Rafferty
Chips Rafferty
Chips Rafferty

Chips Rafferty, c. 1945

Max Dupain OBE
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Purchased with funds provided by Timothy Fairfax AC 2003

Terry Snow and China

Portrait Gallery unveils new commission

1 December 2017
Archived media releases 2017

The National Portrait Gallery unveiled its most recent portrait commission for the collection on Thursday 30 November 2017.

The photographer's shadow (Olive Cotton and Max Dupain)
The photographer's shadow (Olive Cotton and Max Dupain)
The photographer's shadow (Olive Cotton and Max Dupain)

The photographer's shadow (Olive Cotton and Max Dupain), c. 1935 (printed 1999)

Olive Cotton
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Purchased 2010

Margaret Whitlam

Glossy too

Magazine article by Christine Clark, 2005

The Glossy 2 exhibition highlights the integral role magazine photography plays in illustrating and shaping our contemporary culture.

Margel and Tarquin, Canberra
Margel and Tarquin, Canberra
Margel and Tarquin, Canberra

Margel and Tarquin, Canberra, c. 1945

Frank Hinder
Portrait, pen and ink, brush and ink and pencil on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased with funds provided by the Ross family in memory of Noel and Enid Eliot 2014

Peter Allen
Peter Allen
Peter Allen

Peter Allen, 1980

William Yang
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Purchased 2003

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Icons Syndicate

Lists alphabetically
Honour board
Eileen Dunne in The Hospital for Sick Children, 1940
	 by Cecil Beaton

Cecil Beaton

Portraits
Previous exhibition, 2005

Accomplished illustrator, painter, writer and diarist, set designer and one of the most distinguished photographers of the twentieth century, Cecil Beaton is renowned for his portraits of well known faces from the worlds of fashion, literature, and film.

Layne Beachley

Collection: Icons

Volume One
Previous exhibition, 2018

When a portrait communicates determination and individuality as boldly as these do, it has the potential to become an iconic image. For the Gallery’s 20th birthday this display brings together a group contemporary photographic portraits of inspiring women and men.

Self portrait
Self portrait
Self portrait

Self portrait, c. 1985

Bert Flugelman
Portrait, stainless steel

Gift of the artist 2009. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Slim Dusty and Dame Edna Everage, Carlton Hill Station, WA, 10 July 1993

Rarely Everage

The Lives of Barry Humphries
Previous exhibition, 2002

The exhibition begins with Barry's childhood in Camberwell, Melbourne and chronicles his days as a struggling actor in Australia and England, his creation of characters including Barry McKenzie, Dame Edna Everage, Sandy Stone and Sir Les Patterson

The Boys Next Door

Oz Punk

Sends a permanent shiver down my spine
General content

In 1976, without having been blooded on the Sydney or Melbourne pub circuit, The Saints recorded a single – ‘(I’m) Stranded’ – earning them the distinction of releasing a punk single before The Sex Pistols did.

Brian Croser AO
Brian Croser AO
Brian Croser AO

Brian Croser AO, 1998

Kate Gollings
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph, selenium toned on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased with funds provided by Marilyn Darling AC 2001

William Robertson
William Robertson
William Robertson

William Robertson, c. 1852

an unknown artist
Portrait, 1/6 plate daguerreotype, hand coloured with case

Gift of Fiona Turner (née Robertson) and John Robertson 2011. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Bryan Brown
Bryan Brown
Bryan Brown

Bryan Brown, 2008

Adam Knott
Portrait, inkjet print on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2013

All that fall

25 March 2015
Archived media releases 2015

Focusing on the wide-ranging themes of loss and absence, All that fall: Sacrifice, life and loss in the First World War creates a moving portrait of mourning and sacrifice as experienced on the Australian home front during the First World War.

Master Johnny Day, Australian Champion Pedestrian
Master Johnny Day, Australian Champion Pedestrian
Master Johnny Day, Australian Champion Pedestrian

Master Johnny Day, Australian Champion Pedestrian, c. 1866

an unknown artist
Portrait, albumen photograph carte de visite

Purchased 2014

Portrait of David Dridan
Portrait of David Dridan
Portrait of David Dridan

Portrait of David Dridan, 1992

Brian Dunlop
Portrait, oil on canvas

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of David Dridan OAM 2017

Mel Gibson

POL

Portrait of a Generation
Previous exhibition, 2003

POL was a magazine that ran from 1969 to 1986

Lee Lin Chin

Icons

Parliament House
Touring exhibition, 2019

When a portrait communicates determination and individuality as boldly as these do, it has the potential to become an iconic image. For the Gallery’s 20th birthday this display brings together a group contemporary photographic portraits of inspiring women and men.

The mahi-mahi, 2019 Rob Palmer

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2020

Previous exhibition, 2020

The exhibition is selected from a national field of entries, reflecting the distinctive vision of Australia's aspiring and professional portrait photographers and the unique nature of their subjects.

Portrait of Cate Blanchett
Portrait of Cate Blanchett
Portrait of Cate Blanchett

Portrait of Cate Blanchett, 2008

David Rosetzky
Portrait, single channel moving image, colour, sound, 9 minutes, 56 seconds

Commissioned with funds provided by Ian Darling 2008

Last Light Ellis Hutch

Reflections

General content

All that fall: Sacrifice, life and loss in the First World War exhibition co-curators Dr Anne Sanders and Dr Christopher Chapman reflect on the evolution of the Gallery’s Anzac Centenary exhibition.

Betty Burstall

Arthur Boyd Portraits

Previous exhibition, 1999

This is the first in a series of National Portrait Gallery exhibitions to survey the portraits painted by artists who are not thought of, primarily, as portrait painters

Johnny O'Keefe

Making Portraits

Five Years of National Portrait Gallery Commissions
Previous exhibition, 2004

The considered matching of artist to subject has produced an amazing collection of unique and original works in the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery

Sketch for portrait of Justin O'Brien
Sketch for portrait of Justin O'Brien
Sketch for portrait of Justin O'Brien

Sketch for portrait of Justin O'Brien, 1980

Bryan Westwood
Portrait, oil with fibre-tipped pen underdrawing on composition board

Gift of the Margaret Olley Art Trust 2002

Charlie, 2017 by Lee Grant

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2018

Previous exhibition, 2018

The exhibition is selected from a national field of entries, reflecting the distinctive vision of Australia's aspiring and professional portrait photographers and the unique nature of their subjects.

The last of England 1855

Pre-Raphaelite Profile

Magazine article by Michael Desmond, 2006

In 2006 the National Portrait Gallery acquired a splendid portrait of Victoria's first governor, Lieutenant Governor Charles Joseph La Trobe by Thomas Woolner.

Brett Whiteley - portrait 1
Brett Whiteley - portrait 1
Brett Whiteley - portrait 1

Brett Whiteley - portrait 1, 1975

Greg Weight
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Gift of Patrick Corrigan AM 2004. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

William Charles Wentworth
William Charles Wentworth
William Charles Wentworth

William Charles Wentworth, 1854

Thomas Woolner
Portrait, cast bronze relief medallion

Gift of the Simpson family in memory of Caroline Simpson OAM 2008. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

image not online

Annual Appeal

Listed by year
Honour board
Lucy Escott
Lucy Escott
Lucy Escott

Lucy Escott, c. 1861

Dalton's Royal Photographic Gallery
Portrait, albumen silver carte de visite, hand coloured on card

Purchased 2009

Virginia Woolf, 1902 George Charles Beresford

Love my way

Magazine article by Inga Walton, 2022

Inga Walton delves into the bohemian group of artists and writers who used each other as muses and transformed British culture.

Norman Lindsay

Max Dupain

The Vintage Years
Previous exhibition, 2003

During his long and distinguished career Max Dupain took thousands of photographs of people

John Farnham

Glossy - Faces Magazines Now

Previous exhibition, 1999

Magazines are the portrait galleries of the 90s... Glossy is about magazines. The exhibition presents the work of eight photographers, Australian by birth or long-term residency, who are producing portraits for publication in magazines around the world.

Finalists announced for National Photographic Portrait Prize

14 November 2018
Archived media releases 2018

The National Portrait Gallery would like to congratulate the forty finalists for the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2019.

Soffritto di Lucio
Soffritto di Lucio
Soffritto di Lucio

Soffritto di Lucio, 2009

Garry Shead and Adrienne Levenson
Portrait, oil on linen

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Lucio Galletto OAM 2012
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program

Self portrait

Elegance in exile

Portrait drawings from colonial Australia
Previous exhibition, 2012

Elegance in exile is an exhibition surveying the work of Richard Read senior, Thomas Bock, Thomas Griffiths Wainewright and Charles Rodius: four artists who, though exiled to Australia as convicts, created many of the most significant and elegant portraits of the colonial period.

15 minutes of frame

NPG London, Scotland and Australia, 28 January 2021
Recorded virtual programs

Delve into the lives, loves and labour of the world’s most prominent portrait galleries in this international conversation series.

Dovima with elephants, evening dress by Dior, Cirque d'Hiver, Paris, August 1955 by Richard Avedon

Richard Avedon People media information

8 August 2013
Archived media releases 2013

Press releases and images downloads for media.

Paul Kelly, 1992 by Wendy McDougall

Paul Kelly and The Portraits media information

18 June 2013
Archived media releases 2013

Paul Kelly & The Portraits presents a multifaceted image of the performer over the course of his career.

Chance meeting, 1940-41 by Martin Lewis

Nocturnal animals

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2017

Joanna Gilmour explores the enticing urban shadows cast by artists Martin Lewis and Edward Hopper.

Rachel Ward and Bryan Brown

Australian Love Stories

4 January 2021
Archived media releases 2021

A major new exhibition celebrating love in all its guises. Opening 20 March 2021.

Margaret Whitlam

Open Air

Portraits in the Landscape
Previous exhibition, 2008

Open Air is an exhibition of portraits of Australians in environments of particular significance to them.

David Williamson

The Story So Far...

Magazine article by Simon Elliott, 2002

A reflection on the National Portrait Gallery's first four years.

Turia Pitt

2021 Annual Appeal

Annual Appeal

In 2021 the Annual Appeal was focussed on Peter Brew-Bevan's portraits of athletes Turia Pitt, Leisel Jones OAM and Ellie Cole OAM.

Marilyn Ball, Albatross, 2018 (detail) by Linde Ivimey

So Fine

Contemporary women artists make Australian history
Previous exhibition, 2018

This exhibition features new works from ten women artists reinterpreting and reimagining elements of Australian history, enriching the contemporary narrative around Australia’s history and biography, reflecting the tradition of storytelling in our country.

James, Rebecca and Sam Mapu

Time and light

In Gallery Seven
Previous exhibition, 2023

This sample of 56 photographs takes in some of the smallest photographs we own and some of the largest, some of the earliest and some of the most recent, as well as multiple photographic processes from daguerreotypes to digital media.

John Coburn

101 photographic portraits

Magazine article by Michelle Fracaro, 2004

Pat Corrigan's generous gift of 100 photographic portraits by Greg Weight.

Charlie, 2017 by Lee Grant

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2018

8 March 2018
Archived media releases 2018

Images for media use will be available from 8 March 2018.

Andy Thomas

Uncommon Australians

The vision of Gordon and Marilyn Darling
Previous exhibition, 2015

This exhibition showcases portraits acquired through the generosity of the National Portrait Gallery’s Founding Patrons, L Gordon Darling AC CMG and Marilyn Darling AC.

Ned Kelly death mask

Sideshow Alley

Infamy, the macabre & the portrait
Previous exhibition, 2015

Death masks, post-mortem drawings and other spooky and disquieting portraits... Come and see how portraits of infamous Australians were used in the 19th century.

15 minutes of frame

NPG Wellington, Edinburgh and Canberra, 10th March 2021
Recorded virtual programs

Delve into the lives, loves and labour of the world’s most prominent portrait galleries in this international conversation series.

Barack Obama, 2018 by Kehinde Wiley

The Obama effect

Magazine article by Kim Sajet, 2018

Kim Sajet reflects on two portraits with a power that extends beyond gallery walls.

Steve Irwin

Crikey!

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2006

Robin Sellick captured a rare moment of quietude from the late conservation star Steve Irwin.

Mr John Eason

The shipwright's arms

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2013

Joanna Gilmour explores the life and times of convict-turned-artist William Buelow Gould.

Daniel Johns, Silverchair Melbourne 2007 by Martin Philbey

Rock art

Magazine article by Andrew Mayo, 2016

Andrew Mayo talks to three of Australia’s most prominent and prolific music photographers — Martin Philbey, Kane Hibberd and Daniel Boud — about the challenges and inspiration behind their craft.

Some women you may not know, 2022-2023 Alison Alder

Some women you may not know

Alison Alder

‘Everybody’s lives are built by so many influences, and for me, it is writers, artists and activists who have influenced how I think about the world.’

Bob Hawke

Primed

Some Prime Ministers
Previous exhibition, 2019

Seventeen of Australia’s thirty prime ministers to date are represented in the contrasting sizes, moods and mediums of these portraits.

What the tree saw: David Foster

What the tree saw: David Foster, 2018

by Jacqui Stockdale
General content

Commissioned with funds provided by the Sid and Fiona Myer Family Foundation 2018

In the Lounge, 2006 by North Sullivan

Seduce, Amuse, Entertain

NPPP 2007 exhibition essay
General content

Michael Desmond, National Photographic Portrait Prize judge and curator, introduces the 2007 Prize.

The hunting lodge, 2007

Seduce Amuse Entertain

Magazine article by Michael Desmond, 2007

Michael Desmond profiles a handful of the entrants in first National Photographic Portrait Prize and notes emerging themes and categories.

Installing David Walsh

On the road again

Magazine article by Dr Deborah Hill, 2017

Deborah Hill talks figures with character, as the National Portrait Gallery touring exhibitions program welcomes its millionth visitor.

Cover, first minute book of the Tasmanian Society of Natural History

Embrace your inner nerd

About Face article

The southern winter has arrived. For people in the northern hemisphere (the majority of humanity) the idea of snow and ice, freezing mist and fog in June, potentially continuing through to August and beyond, encapsulates the topsy-turvidom of our southern continent.

Greg and I, 2012 by Cayce Zavaglia

Thread bare

Magazine article by Cayce Zavaglia, 2017

US artist Cayce Zavaglia reveals human duality in her striking embroidered portraiture.

Graham Kennedy and the Seekers in Melbourne
Graham Kennedy and the Seekers in Melbourne
Graham Kennedy and the Seekers in Melbourne

Graham Kennedy and the Seekers in Melbourne, c. 1968

Robert Whitaker
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2007

Announcing.... In their own words

24 November 2020
Archived media releases 2020

Inspiring Australians tell their own stories in a unique new gallery audio tour, developed in collaboration with the National Library of Australia.

Nicole Kidman

Australians in Hollywood

Magazine article by Simon Elliott, 2003

The exhibition Australians in Hollywood celebrated the achievements of Australians in the highly competitive American film industry.

Sammy Dodd

2022 Annual Appeal

Annual Appeal

In 2022 the Annual Appeal was focussed on Mayatjara by Robert Fielding, a series of 24 photographs of Elders of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara community.

Captain W Kinghorne

The bright-eyed Mariner

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2008
A new colonial portrait brings a zealous captain near.
Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground

Seduce and Destroy

Magazine article by Magda Keaney, 2001

Magda Keaney explores the symbolism in eX de Medici's portrait of Midnight Oil.

Portrait of Captain John Hunter

Goods and chattels

About Face article

I have been reading systematically through the ads in the earliest issues of the Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, such a rich vein of information about certain aspects of daily life in Regency Sydney.

Frances Alda

Bewitching

Magazine article by Roger Neill, 2006

Roger Neill delves into the life of a lesser-known Australian diva, Frances Alda.

Terms and conditions

Darling Portrait Prize 2024
Darling Portrait Prize

These terms and conditions govern entries to the National Portrait Gallery’s Darling Portrait Prize 2024.

Video still from Dream Job, 2011 by David M Thomas

My dream job

Magazine article by David Thomas AM, 2012

Artist David M Thomas lists some of the ideas and influences behind his video portraits.

Thilin-Thilin Gooragall Nyajaringil Garnkiny-nu (white gum tree, mother for the moon), 2018 by Shirley Purdie

Storytelling

General content

The fourth row of paintings interweave Ngarranggarni, memories, relationships and Country.

Australian Dance Party and Catapult Dance performing Connecting Stories: Innovations at the National Portrait Gallery, 2022 Lorna Sim

Let’s dance

Magazine article by Emma Batchelor, 2022

Emma Batchelor uncovers the compelling contemporary dance made in response to the works in Shakespeare to Winehouse.

Patrick White at Centennial Park, 1979–1980

Listomania

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2013

Sarah Engledow describes the fall-out once Brett Whiteley stuck Patrick White’s list of his loves and hates onto his great portrait of the writer.

A Goldfields Member

Showing character

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2016

Joanna Gilmour on Tom Durkin playing with Melbourne's manhood.

Camouflage self portrait, 1986

Hide/Seek

Magazine article by David Ward, 2010

David Ward writes about the exhibition Hide/Seek: Difference and Desire in American Portraiture on display at the National Portrait Gallery, Washington.

Head of a Naked Girl, 2000

Every flap, fold and bulge

Magazine article by Starr Figura, 2008
Lucian Freud's unflinching realism is on display in the first solo exhibition of his paintings and etchings at The Museum of Modern Art, New York.
Betty Bryant, c. 1939

The life of Bryant

Magazine article by Tenille Hands, 2018

Tenille Hands explores a portrait prize gifted to the National Screen and Sound Archive.

Dr John Yu

Clay, water, fire

Magazine article by Simon Elliott, 2005

Ah Xian's porcelain portrait of paediatrician Dr. John Yu reflects Yu's heritage and interests.

Marilyn Darling AC

Support Crew

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2011

Portraits of philanthropists in the collection honour their contributions to Australia and acknowledge their support of the National Portrait Gallery.

Untitled #21/09 (after Ricci, 1700; featuring Matthew Mitcham)

Getting bare

Magazine article by Penelope Grist, 2015

How seven portraits within Bare reveal in a public portrait parts of the body and elements of life usually located in the private sphere.

Nine square images of previous winners of the National Photographic Portrait Prize

Terms and conditions

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2024
National Photographic Portrait Prize
image not online

Portrait Donors

Listed by year
Honour board
Writing on the Wall, 2019 Dr Christian Thompson AO

To arrive at hope

NPPP 2020 exhibition essay
General content

Penelope Grist, National Photographic Portrait Prize judge and curator, introduces the 2020 Prize.

Noel McKenna, 2016 by Mark Mohell

Noel McKenna

Explore The Popular Pet Show

It’s a matter beyond dispute that in the entire history of Australian art, it’s Noel McKenna who’s painted the liveliest rendition of the head of a Chihuahua.

Mary (or Diana) Croker, mat woman, Colchester, 1823 by John Dempsey

Unknown drawer

Magazine article by Dr David Hansen, 2017

Dempsey’s People curator David Hansen chronicles a research tale replete with serendipity, adventure and Tasmanian tigers.

Chairman Sid Myer AM, Hayley Baillie, Tim Bednall, Jillian Broadbent AC, Patrick Corrigan AM, Marilyn Darling AC, Tim Fairfax AC, Penny Fowler AM, John Liangis, Dr Helen Nugent AC and Nigel Satterley AM

Foundation Members

Foundation

Chairman Sid Myer AM, Hayley Baillie, Tim Bednall, Jillian Broadbent AC, Patrick Corrigan AM, Marilyn Darling AC, Tim Fairfax AC, Penny Fowler AM, John Liangis, Dr Helen Nugent AC and Nigel Satterley AM.

Damon, singer, 2000 by Julian Opie

Movement is my radar

Magazine article by Michael Desmond, 2015

Michael Desmond charts the path of portraiture, arriving at Julian Opie’s digital realm.

Self portrait with Spots and Veins

Mental as everything

Magazine article by Diana Warnes, 2006

Chris O'Doherty, also known as Reg Mombassa, is best-known for his Mambo imagery but he also paints a lot of self portraits.

Paul Kelly 30.11.1980 by Liz Reed

Pop poet

Magazine article by Dr Anne Sanders, 2013

Dr Anne Sanders previews the works in the new focus exhibition Paul Kelly and The Portraits.

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Forum participants

General content

Biographies of participants in the Writing lives, revealing lives forum.

Pierre de Rigaud de Vaudreuil de Cavagnial, Marquis de Vaudreuil, ca.1753-55

Canadian identities

Magazine article by Lilly Koltun, 2004

An exploration of national identity in the Canadian context drawn from the symposium Face to Face at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery in 2004.

Director John Duigan and actor Judy Davis on the set of ‘Winter of our Dreams’, Sydney, 1981 by Robert McFarlane

Natural born stiller

Magazine article by Penelope Grist, 2016

Penelope Grist speaks to Robert McFarlane about shooting for the stars.

Mark McManus as Will by Mark Strizic

In and out of focus

Magazine article by Gael Newton, 2017

Gael Newton looks at Australian photography, film and the sixties through the novel lens of Mark Strizic.

William Shakespeare, c. 1600-1610  associated with John Taylor

Take thy face hence

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2022

Joanna Gilmour travels through time to explore the National Portrait Gallery London’s masterpieces in Shakespeare to Winehouse.

Robyn Sweaney, 2016 by Mark Mohell

Robyn Sweaney

Explore The Popular Pet Show

Robyn's parents had two terriers, Wuff and Snuff. In spite of Snuff’s ominous name and a couple of close shaves – once, he jumped out of a moving car, and another time, on a long road trip, he was accidentally left behind at a petrol station – he outlived Wuff.

Professor Peter Doherty

Friends and Acquaintances

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2005

Dr. Sarah Engledow discusses a collection of drawings and prints by the Victorian artist Rick Amor acquired in 2005.

Dulcie Deamer, c. 1920

Out of the shadows

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2013

Joanna Gilmour profiles the life and times of the shutter sisters May and Mina Moore.

Face House – Kyoto, Japan Architect: Kazumasa Yamashita

Alter ego

Magazine article by Tom Fryer, 2021

Tom Fryer surveys the twentieth-century architectural project, and finds representation and the portrait were integral elements.

First-Class Marksman, 1946 by Sidney Nolan

Money for Myth

Magazine article by Jane Raffan, 2015

Australian character on the market by Jane Raffan.

Sidney Nolan, Western Australia

Cultural kaleidoscope

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2006

The complex connections between four creative Australians; Patrick White, Sidney Nolan, Robert Helpmann and Peter Sculthorpe.

Woman with Fair Hair and Pink Cardigan, 1949 by John Perceval.

The family scene

Magazine article, 2016

Traudi Allen discovers sensitivity, humour and fine draughtsmanship in the portraiture of John Perceval.

Louis XVI giving final instructions to the Comte de La Perouse, c. 1785

Sea legged frogs

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2011

Joanna Gilmour describes some of the stories of the individuals and incidents that define French exploration of Australia and the Pacific.

Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose, 1885-86 by 
John Singer Sargent

A feast of friends

Magazine article by Richard Ormond, 2015

John Singer Sargent: a painter at the vanguard of contemporary movements in music, literature and theatre.

Lady Barkly

A real Pratt

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2015

The death of a gentlewoman is shrouded in mystery, a well-liked governor finds love after sorrow, and two upright men become entangled in the historical record.

Omai, Sir Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander, 1775-76

First encounters

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2011

Representations of the inhabitants of the new world expose the complexities of the colonisers' intentions.

Trevor Jamieson, 2016 by Brett Canet-Gibson

The more things change...

NPPP 2017 exhibition essay
General content

Dr Sarah Engledow, National Photographic Portrait Prize judge and curator, introduces the 2017 Prize.

Helen Borthwick née Pearson

The personal and the historical

About Face article

Where do we draw a line between the personal and the historical? Although she died in Melbourne in 1975, when I was not quite eleven years old, I have the vividest memories of my maternal grandmother Helen Borthwick.

The Right Honourable Sir Ninian Stephen KGAK GCMG GCVO KBE QC, 2006 by Rick Amor

Prima facie

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2019

Sarah Engledow casts a judicious eye over portraits in the Victorian Bar’s Peter O’Callaghan QC Portrait Gallery.

Dr Anne Sanders

Less than six degrees of separation

Lecture, 28 May 2011
General content

Dr Anne Sanders NPG Curatorial Researcher investigated the lives of the pioneering psychologists whose portraits are featured in Inner Worlds.

Studio portrait of Lord Kitchener, British Secretary of State for War, 1914 by J Russell & Sons

All the way with K of K

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2016

Sarah Engledow bristles at the biographers’ neglect of Kitchener’s antipodean intervention.

The Bare story

General content

Curator, Penny Grist, reveals how this exhibition came to be

The Art Lovers - Megan, 2013 by Gary Grealy

Everybody, look serious

NPPP 2014 exhibition essay
General content

Dr Sarah Engledow, National Photographic Portrait Prize judge and curator, introduces the 2014 Prize.

Self portrait

Rick Amor: 21 Portraits

General content

Sarah Engledow chronicles Rick Amor's work and accomplishments in this extensive essay in conjunction with the exhibition Rick Amor: 21 Portraits.

David Marr, 2011 by Nicholas Harding

Nicholas Harding: 28 Portraits

Exhibition essay
General content

Sarah Engledow looks at three decades of Nicholas Harding's portraiture.

Christmas Island

About Face article

This is my last Trumbology before, in a little more than a week from now, I pass to my successor Karen Quinlan the precious baton of the Directorship of the National Portrait Gallery.

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