Dobell, Sir William (1899-1970), was one of the leading Australian painters of the 1900’s. He was a leader in establishing modern art in Australia. Dobell was best known for his portraits. He won the annual Archibald Prize for the best portrait by an Australian or New Zealand artist three times—in 1943, in 1948, and in 1959. He was knighted in 1966.
Dobell was born in Newcastle, New South Wales, on Sept. 24, 1899. He won a scholarship to study art in London in 1929 and did not return to Australia until 1939. During those 10 years in England, Dobell’s style changed from careful realism to a free and more expressionistic manner that was influenced by his exposure to modern art in Europe. He painted in rich colors and textures, reflecting the impact of such modern artists as Chaim Soutine of France.
In 1944, Dobell’s Archibald Prize-winning modern-style portrait of fellow artist Joshua Smith provoked a lawsuit by two unsuccessful candidates for the prize. These artists objected that the portrait was a caricature and not a realistic likeness. The suit received nationwide publicity and was eventually dismissed. Dobell, a shy man, found himself hailed as a hero of the modernist cause. He died on May 14, 1970.
