Joshua Smith studied sculpture with Rayner Hoff at East Sydney Technical College and took classes in drawing and painting at Julian Ashton's Art School. During the war, he worked in a camouflage unit with fellow artist William Dobell, who painted Smith's portrait for the Archibald Prize. Dobell’s portrait of Smith won the Archibald for 1943, but the win was challenged in court by conservative artist complainants who alleged that Dobell's work was a caricature, not a portrait. The court found that it was a good likeness, but the trial was inevitably distracting, embarrassing and debilitating for both artist and sitter. Regardless, Smith entered the Archibald fray himself in the following year – and won. Smith painted several memorable portraits, including one of Dame Mary Gilmore, and two portraits of wallpaper designer Florence Broadhurst which were Archibald finalists in 1962 and 1968. Smith also painted landscapes and still life works and was an influential teacher, working at a number of leading art schools in Sydney and running his own school in Lane Cove.
Gift of the late May Ralph 2019
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