Robert Hannaford Rolf Prince

Rolf Prince is emeritus professor at the University of Sydney, having formally resigned in January 1998 as professor of chemical engineering. The portrait was commissioned, in his honour, by his department. Last year Professor Prince received the Order of Australia – ‘an even bigger surprise than being painted, so I am going out on a tremendous high!’ he says.

Being painted by Robert Hannaford was ‘one of life’s great experiences,’ says Prince. ‘The way Robert discussed and attacked it as well as his painting tactics. He looks, then runs back to the easel; in fact, I estimated that he runs between 40km and 50km per portrait!’

Hannaford never uses photographs when painting portraits but works from life and from life studies. ‘I believe it’s what happens over a period of time that’s interesting in portraiture rather than the superficiality of a split second moment. It’s all to do with getting to know the subject over an extended period.’

This work, which won the People’s Choice award, is now in the University Art Collection in the Chau Chak Wing Museum at The University of Sydney. It is one of two works by Hannaford in the 1998 Archibald exhibition; the other is of Paul Keating.