The Archibald Prize is one of Australia's most prestigious art awards, primarily awarded for portraiture. It was established in 1921 following a bequest from J.F. Archibald, the editor of The Bulletin magazine. The prize is awarded annually by the Art Gallery of New South Wales for the best portrait painting, preferentially of some man or woman distinguished in art, letters, science, or politics.
Here is a list of some notable Archibald Prize winners:
2020s
- 2024: Laura Jones, Kurrajong-based artist for Portrait of Tim Winton. Jones’ win marks the 14th time the Archibald Prize has been awarded to a woman and she becomes the 12th woman to win since its inception in 1921.
- 2023: Julia Gutman for Head in the sky, feet on the ground (portrait of Montaigne)
- 2022: Blak Douglas for Moby Dickens (portrait of Karla Dickens)
- 2021: Peter Wegner for Portrait of Guy Warren at 100
- 2020: Vincent Namatjira for Stand Strong for Who You Are (portrait of Adam Goodes)
2010s
- 2019: Tony Costa for Lindy Lee
- 2018: Yvette Coppersmith for Self-portrait, after George Lambert
- 2017: Mitch Cairns for Agatha Gothe-Snape
- 2016: Louise Hearman for Barry Humphries
- 2015: Nigel Milsom for Judo House pt 6 (The white bird) (portrait of Charles Waterstreet)
- 2014: Fiona Lowry for Penelope Seidler
- 2013: Del Kathryn Barton for Hugo (portrait of Hugo Weaving)
- 2012: Tim Storrier for The histrionic wayfarer (after Bosch)
- 2011: Ben Quilty for Margaret Olley
- 2010: Sam Leach for Tim Minchin
2000s
- 2009: Guy Maestri for Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu
- 2008: Del Kathryn Barton for You are what is most beautiful about me, a self-portrait with Kell and Arella
- 2007: John Beard for Janet Laurence
- 2006: Marcus Wills for The Paul Juraszek Monolith (after Marcus Gheeraerts)
- 2005: John Olsen for Self-portrait Janus Faced
- 2004: Craig Ruddy for David Gulpilil, Two Worlds
- 2003: Geoffrey Dyer for Richard Flanagan
- 2002: Cherry Hood for Simon Tedeschi Unplugged
- 2001: Nicholas Harding for John Bell as King Lear
- 2000: Adam Cullen for David Wenham
1990s
- 1999: Euan Macleod for Self-portrait/head like a hole
- 1998: Lewis Miller for Portrait of Allan Mitelman
- 1997: Nigel Thomson for Barbara Blackman
- 1996: Wendy Sharpe for Self-portrait as Diana of Erskineville
- 1995: William Robinson for Self-portrait with stunned mullet
- 1994: Francis Giacco for Homage to John Reichard
- 1993: Garry Shead for Tom Thompson
- 1992: Bryan Westwood for H. G. (Mick) Miller
- 1991: Bryan Westwood for Elwyn Lynn
- 1990: Geoffrey Proud for Dorothy Hewett
The Archibald Prize has a long and storied history, showcasing the diversity and talent of Australian portrait artists. Many of the winners have become significant figures in the Australian art world, contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of the country.
