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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.

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Profile of Hugo Weaving, 2011

by Nicholas Harding

charcoal on paper
50 x 65 cm
Collection of Nicholas Harding and Lynne Watkins, Sydney

In 2011 Harding started on a portrait of his good friend Hugo Weaving, which was worked-up over several sittings at the actor’s Sydney home. During the first sitting Weaving was a trifle self-conscious, and Harding a little disconcerted by Weaving’s having shaved for a new role. The situation seemed somewhat artificial. This pair of drawings is the fruit of the second sitting, when the beard was back and Weaving was more at ease. There is a remarkable contrast between the heads of Weaving rendered flat in charcoal on paper, and veritably sculpted in oil paint on canvas (particularly over the actor’s left eye and temple area).

Nicholas Harding: 28 Portraits

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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 past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.

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