The Archibald Prize for portraiture, although one of Australia’s richest art prizes, is with few exceptions pretentious and drab, now that entries are preselected. In previous years one could refresh oneself after the monotony of Captains of Industry, Politicians etc. by viewing the fauves and ‘primitives’. However, one’s interest is always held by William Dobell’s entries, for they are invariably fresh and stimulating. Apart from the value of the prize, his entries with their attendant controversy and publicity have vitalized an otherwise torpid exhibition. 

Dobell so overshadows the other entrants that I hope I’ll be forgiven if I seem to discuss his painting at length. He is the most outstanding painter Australia has seen for many years.