William Dargie Corporal Jim Gordon, VC

William Dargie started this portrait of James Hannah (Jim) Gordon (1907-1986) in the Middle East, where he was stationed as an official war artist, during World War II. The work was completed upon his return to Australia. Although this did not strictly follow the competition’s rules, the painting was awarded the Archibald Prize, as the wartime circumstances of both artist and sitter were seen as nationally important and the portrait itself was a popular choice.

James Gordon, a private in the 2nd Australian Imperial Force, received his VC for his actions at Greenhill, north of Jezzine, Lebanon, on 10 July 1941.

The work is now in the collection of the Australian War Memorial, Canberra.