archibald prize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (known primarily in Australian and international art contexts)Formal, Cultural, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “archibald prize” mean?
The most prestigious award for portrait painting in Australia, awarded annually by the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The most prestigious award for portrait painting in Australia, awarded annually by the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
An Australian cultural institution and prominent arts award that often attracts public controversy and media attention regarding its winners and selection process. The prize is named after J. F. Archibald, a founding editor of The Bulletin magazine, who bequeathed funds for its establishment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is specific to Australian culture and is not a feature of standard British or American English vocabulary. It would only be used in international art discourse or reporting on Australian affairs.
Connotations
In Australian context: prestige, controversy, cultural significance. In international context: a notable example of a national art prize.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday British or American English; frequency is confined to specific cultural/arts reporting.
Grammar
How to Use “archibald prize” in a Sentence
[Subject] won the Archibald Prize for [portrait].The Archibald Prize was awarded to [artist].The controversy over the Archibald Prize [verb phrase].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “archibald prize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He has been Archibalded twice. (informal, rare, meaning 'had one's portrait entered for the prize')
adjective
British English
- The painting had an Archibald Prize feel to it.
American English
- She is an Archibald-winning artist.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in arts funding or sponsorship discussions.
Academic
Used in art history, Australian studies, and cultural criticism contexts.
Everyday
Primarily in Australian media and public conversation when the prize is announced.
Technical
Used in curatorial, museological, and art journalism contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “archibald prize”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “archibald prize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “archibald prize”
- Writing 'archibald prize' in lowercase.
- Referring to it as a 'photography' or 'sculpture' prize (it is specifically for portrait painting).
- Using 'Archibald' without 'Prize' when the referent is unclear.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It was named after J. F. Archibald, a founding editor of The Bulletin magazine, who left a bequest for its establishment.
Entry is open to all residents of Australia and New Zealand, but the subject (the sitter) must be someone prominent in art, letters, science or politics, and known to the public.
Controversy often arises from the judges' subjective selections, the portrayal of famous subjects, and debates over artistic merit versus popularity.
The exhibition of finalists is held at the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia.
The most prestigious award for portrait painting in Australia, awarded annually by the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Archibald prize is usually formal, cultural, journalistic in register.
Archibald prize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɑːtʃɪbɔːld praɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɑːrtʃɪbɔːld praɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[It's/That's] an Archibald controversy. (Referring to a fierce public debate over subjective judgement)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ARCHIBALD: '**A** **R**enowned **C**ontroversial **H**onour **I**n **B**old **A**rtistic **L**ikeness **D**epiction.'
Conceptual Metaphor
THE PRIZE IS A BATTLEFIELD (e.g., 'artists vie for the prize', 'judging was a minefield').
Practice
Quiz
What is the Archibald Prize primarily awarded for?