William Alexander Dargie

Place: Footscray

Born: 1912

Death: 2003

Biography:

William Alexander Dargie was a renowned Australian painter, born on June 4, 1912, in Footscray, Victoria. He was the firstborn son of Andrew Dargie and Adelaide (née Sargent). Dargie's artistic journey began when he studied at the National Gallery of Victoria School from 1930 to 1934. In 1937, he married Kathleen Howitt in Melbourne.

Artistic Career

Dargie's artistic career was marked by significant achievements. He was an official Australian war artist during World War II and painted multiple portraits of Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, as well as the official portraits of two Prime Ministers of Australia and two Governors-General of Australia. His work was recognized with the Archibald Prize, Australia's premier award for portrait artists, which he won on eight separate occasions. As a painter, Dargie worked in a conservative style, which is reflected in his portraits and other works. Despite his substantial artistic achievements, he is now largely forgotten. However, his legacy lives on through his paintings, which continue to be admired and studied by art enthusiasts.

Notable Works and Collections

Dargie's work can be found in various collections, including the National Gallery of Victoria. His paintings are also part of the collection at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery, which is one of the oldest and largest regional galleries in Australia. Some notable works by Dargie include his portraits of prominent Australians, such as Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia. His official portraits of Prime Ministers and Governors-General are also significant, showcasing his skill in capturing the essence of his subjects.

Awards and Recognition

Dargie's achievements were recognized with numerous awards, including the Archibald Prize, which he won eight times. This prestigious award is a testament to his skill as a portrait painter and his contribution to Australian art.

• Archibald Prize: Won eight times for his outstanding portraits
• Australian War Artist: Officially recognized for his work during World War II
• Portraits of Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia: Painted multiple portraits of the Queen
• Official Portraits: Painted official portraits of Prime Ministers and Governors-General of Australia

Dargie's legacy can be explored further through his paintings, which are available for viewing at various museums and galleries, including the National Gallery of Victoria. For more information on Dargie and his work, visit William Alexander Dargie's page on Wikioo.org.

Conclusion

In conclusion, William Alexander Dargie was a talented Australian painter who left an indelible mark on the art world. His portraits and other works continue to be admired and studied by art enthusiasts. Through his achievements and recognition, Dargie's legacy lives on, inspiring future generations of artists. For more information on William Alexander Dargie and his work, visit his page on Wikioo.org. You can also explore the National Gallery of Victoria and Ballarat Fine Art Gallery collections, which feature some of Dargie's notable works.