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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.

About Face

Portrait treats and treatises

From punchy short pieces to longer form leanings, it's the place to come for a frequent fix of the world's most accessible art form.

Nellie Melba
Nellie Melba
Nellie Melba

Fame or celebrity?

by Angus Trumble, 1 August 2014

A question lately cropped up in connection with Madame Melba as to whether fame and celebrity are not essentially the same thing. My feeling is that they are different.
Ursula Hoff
Ursula Hoff
Ursula Hoff

Remembering Ursula

by Angus Trumble, 1 July 2014

I first knew Dr. Hoff when in 1986, long after retiring from the National Gallery of Victoria, she taught a graduate seminar on Rembrandt.
Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, 1899 by Carl Pietzner
Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, 1899 by Carl Pietzner
Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, 1899 by Carl Pietzner

The Archduke

by Angus Trumble, 1 June 2014

The immediate chain of events that led to the outbreak of the First World War began 100 years ago on June 28.
Angus Trumble with Self portrait at easel by Fred Williams
Angus Trumble with Self portrait at easel by Fred Williams
Angus Trumble with Self portrait at easel by Fred Williams

Autumn in Canberra

by Angus Trumble, 1 May 2014

In Persuasion (1818), a long walk on a fine autumn day affords Anne Elliot an opportunity to ruminate wistfully and at great length upon declining happiness, youth and hope.
Angus Trumble with Portrait of Sir Joseph Banks by Thomas Phillips
Angus Trumble with Portrait of Sir Joseph Banks by Thomas Phillips
Angus Trumble with Portrait of Sir Joseph Banks by Thomas Phillips

Banksia and grevillea

by Angus Trumble, 1 April 2014

Portraits can render honour to remarkable men and women, but there are other ways.
Angus Trumble Director, National Portrait Gallery
Angus Trumble Director, National Portrait Gallery
Angus Trumble Director, National Portrait Gallery

Cherish the brethren

by Angus Trumble, 1 March 2014

Fortunately, perhaps, there is no instruction manual for newly appointed art museum directors.
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The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance
The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance

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Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
Phone +61 2 6102 7000
ABN: 54 74 277 1196

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.

The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. The use of images of works of art reproduced on this website and all other content may be restricted under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). Requests for a reproduction of a work of art or other content can be made through a Reproduction request. For further information please contact NPG Copyright.

The National Portrait Gallery is an Australian Government Agency