Max Meldrum Self-portrait

Art in Australia appeared to be in two minds about Max Meldrum’s self-portrait in the inaugural Archibald Prize. It reproduced a picture of the work in its February 1922 edition with the accompanying text: 'A painting that has met with much hostile criticism, but is considered by many to be one of the finest portraits recently painted’. Yet the editorial comment said about it: 'despite many excellent qualities, left one with a sense of lacking’.

The Bulletin of 26 January 1922 was enthusiastic: 'Meldrum’s portrait is a remarkable likeness. It is lifelike, though not more greatly than [the WB McInnes and HB Harrison entries], and for its painting it is the most capable work. There does not appear to have been a single stroke misplaced; the form, tone and color are satisfying because they are so nearly true. And truth is, after all, the first and last virtue in portraiture.’