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The Prize
When two artists enter the 1943 Archibald Prize, a scandal erupts that grips not only the art world, but the nation. A poignant love story with shattering consequences, inspired by real-life events.
‘Is that what you want to do? Peer into my soul and capture my flaws, for all to see?’
As World War II draws to a close, Australian society is still deeply conservative. Homosexuality is illegal and the scourge of Modernism is infecting Australian art. When William Dobell paints a portrait of lover and fellow artist Joshua Smith, he is awarded Australia’s most prestigious art prize. A protest is lodged by Dobell’s competitors who claim the painting is a caricature. Both artist and sitter soon find themselves in the glare of the spotlight when a court case to determine the matter turns into a public spectacle.
Bill and Joshua’s relationship is put under pressure and at risk of being exposed as they are caught in a world where they must choose between love and art: between acceptance and exile.
‘Is that what you want to do? Peer into my soul and capture my flaws, for all to see?’
As World War II draws to a close, Australian society is still deeply conservative. Homosexuality is illegal and the scourge of Modernism is infecting Australian art. When William Dobell paints a portrait of lover and fellow artist Joshua Smith, he is awarded Australia’s most prestigious art prize. A protest is lodged by Dobell’s competitors who claim the painting is a caricature. Both artist and sitter soon find themselves in the glare of the spotlight when a court case to determine the matter turns into a public spectacle.
Bill and Joshua’s relationship is put under pressure and at risk of being exposed as they are caught in a world where they must choose between love and art: between acceptance and exile.
320 pages, Paperback
First published April 4, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 21, 2023
A well written, fictionalized account of the court case and brouhaha following the 1943 Archibald art prize for portraiture.
Unfortunately I found it to be a dull retelling, and the best part of it was the research rabbit hole I fell down trying to find out more about the historical figures this novel is based on.
My favourite part of this was Bill & Josh's time together in the air force, painting camouflage. The pacing otherwise was stilted and slow and I struggled to get back into the flow of the story after putting it down to do a little more research, or look at the painting again.
Unfortunately I found it to be a dull retelling, and the best part of it was the research rabbit hole I fell down trying to find out more about the historical figures this novel is based on.
My favourite part of this was Bill & Josh's time together in the air force, painting camouflage. The pacing otherwise was stilted and slow and I struggled to get back into the flow of the story after putting it down to do a little more research, or look at the painting again.
April 2, 2023
I had no previous knowledge of the scandal that surrounded the 1943 Archibald Prize. I loved being able to google and see what the painting looked like for myself.
I found this story that is based on real events to be so very interesting and it amazed me that such a drama could be made over a painting. Its sad that there was such judgement against Gay couples at the time as if the Artist had been able to openly say he was in love with his subject that might have ended the trial a lot swifter.
I really enjoy being able to learn about real events as I read and even though the story is not 100% to real events it is still so very educational about the 1943 Archibald Prize, the court case and peoples attitudes of the time even to the extent that pregnant woman were advised to stay away and to not view the painting unless the shock brought on labour.
A brilliant long weekend read for those that like to read something different and be educated into the bargain.
#BRPreview
I found this story that is based on real events to be so very interesting and it amazed me that such a drama could be made over a painting. Its sad that there was such judgement against Gay couples at the time as if the Artist had been able to openly say he was in love with his subject that might have ended the trial a lot swifter.
I really enjoy being able to learn about real events as I read and even though the story is not 100% to real events it is still so very educational about the 1943 Archibald Prize, the court case and peoples attitudes of the time even to the extent that pregnant woman were advised to stay away and to not view the painting unless the shock brought on labour.
A brilliant long weekend read for those that like to read something different and be educated into the bargain.
#BRPreview
May 30, 2024
A thoroughly thought provoking examination of the 1943 Archibald Prize saga
Timed to coincide with the 100th award of the Archibald Prize for portraiture in NSW, this book examines the debacle that followed the award of the prize to William Dobell, a well known Australian portrait artist.
Returning to Sydney in 1938 just prior to the war, Dobell met Joshua Smith with whom he had a close relationship. The author suggests it was a sexual one, which was illegal at the time.
Smith became the subject of Dobell's 1943 entry which caused an uproar. In today's terminology it 'went viral.'
The book focuses on the two men's relationship with each other, with their contemporaries and with their families. Dobell and his sister were very close having lost both their parents. Smith had a strangely dependent relationship with his mother. Whilst Dobell's sister Alice was supportive of both men, Smith's mother and his artist friends were not supportive of Dobell. The reader is challenged to consider how these relationships played into the events which followed the awarding of the prize.
Two of Smith's artists' friends took the Trustees of the Archibald Prize to court claiming the painting of Smith was not strictly a portrait. The subsequent court case was the making of their barrister, Garfield Barwick, but resulted in the complete breakdown of Smith and Dobell's friendship. The court case vindicated Dobell however Smith never recovered from the perceived slur on him. He maintained radio silence on the scandal until 1990.
Dobell died in 1970 having won the prize twice more and being knighted by the Queen. Smith outlived Dobell by twenty-five years, dying at the age of 90. Interestingly in the book much is made of Smith's frailty and vulnerability when in fact it was Dobell who suffered most physically from the falling out.
The relationship between Smith and Dobell is explored in some detail, the author drawing on their own papers and contemporary articles and interviews. So much of this story is in the public domain, including the court case that it is really historical fiction.
Both men appeared to be flawed. Was it their artistic temperament? How much was Smith's life influenced by his childhood frailty and the death of three of his siblings? The author doesn't really explore this however she is quite perceptive in her observations about the two men.
Underlying the whole story are the conservative attitudes in Sydney at the time, which were still apparent twenty years later in the Opera House saga. Thankfully progressive forces prevailed in both instances or we wouldn't have these amazing creations.
At times I found the book a bit turgid, however I think this is more the result of the subject matter than any failing on the part of the writer. The characters don't exactly lend themselves to light hearted dialogue. The proceeds of the court case are woven very cleverly into the book. I found this part the most interesting. The fact that I was inclined to find out more about this sad saga in Australia's art history is praise enough for the book..
Timed to coincide with the 100th award of the Archibald Prize for portraiture in NSW, this book examines the debacle that followed the award of the prize to William Dobell, a well known Australian portrait artist.
Returning to Sydney in 1938 just prior to the war, Dobell met Joshua Smith with whom he had a close relationship. The author suggests it was a sexual one, which was illegal at the time.
Smith became the subject of Dobell's 1943 entry which caused an uproar. In today's terminology it 'went viral.'
The book focuses on the two men's relationship with each other, with their contemporaries and with their families. Dobell and his sister were very close having lost both their parents. Smith had a strangely dependent relationship with his mother. Whilst Dobell's sister Alice was supportive of both men, Smith's mother and his artist friends were not supportive of Dobell. The reader is challenged to consider how these relationships played into the events which followed the awarding of the prize.
Two of Smith's artists' friends took the Trustees of the Archibald Prize to court claiming the painting of Smith was not strictly a portrait. The subsequent court case was the making of their barrister, Garfield Barwick, but resulted in the complete breakdown of Smith and Dobell's friendship. The court case vindicated Dobell however Smith never recovered from the perceived slur on him. He maintained radio silence on the scandal until 1990.
Dobell died in 1970 having won the prize twice more and being knighted by the Queen. Smith outlived Dobell by twenty-five years, dying at the age of 90. Interestingly in the book much is made of Smith's frailty and vulnerability when in fact it was Dobell who suffered most physically from the falling out.
The relationship between Smith and Dobell is explored in some detail, the author drawing on their own papers and contemporary articles and interviews. So much of this story is in the public domain, including the court case that it is really historical fiction.
Both men appeared to be flawed. Was it their artistic temperament? How much was Smith's life influenced by his childhood frailty and the death of three of his siblings? The author doesn't really explore this however she is quite perceptive in her observations about the two men.
Underlying the whole story are the conservative attitudes in Sydney at the time, which were still apparent twenty years later in the Opera House saga. Thankfully progressive forces prevailed in both instances or we wouldn't have these amazing creations.
At times I found the book a bit turgid, however I think this is more the result of the subject matter than any failing on the part of the writer. The characters don't exactly lend themselves to light hearted dialogue. The proceeds of the court case are woven very cleverly into the book. I found this part the most interesting. The fact that I was inclined to find out more about this sad saga in Australia's art history is praise enough for the book..
August 14, 2023
I think most Australians have head of the famous Australian artist William (Bill) Dobell and the Archibald prize which is considered the most prestigious portrait prize in Australia. It was first awarded in 1921 when J F Archibald bequeathed the prize in his will with a priority for the sitter to be someone distinguished in the arts, science or politics.
The 1943 Archibald prize winner was Dobell, and the sitter was Joshua Smith, another artist in his own right who had submitted his own portrait and was runner-up. Whilst both artists were gay (which was illegal at the time) the author depicts them as being in a relationship in this novel, even though that has never been confirmed.
Dobell was considered a "modernist" by the conservative art world in Australia in 1943 and a lawsuit was lodged by two other artists, who claimed the portrait of Joshua Smith was a caricature and not traditional portraiture and therefore didn't meet the criteria to be awarded the prize. The controversy and court case were sensational at the time and even moved WW2 off the front page of newspapers. It also put such a strain on the friendship/relationship of Bill and Joshua they never spoke to each other again (Bill died in 1970 and Joshua in 1995)
This is well-written, but sometimes I wasn't sure why the protagonists said or did the things they did (likely based on research but still didn't make sense to me especially if they were lovers or even close friends). However, it has piqued my interest to see the original painting which is now displayed in the NSW Art Gallery.
The 1943 Archibald prize winner was Dobell, and the sitter was Joshua Smith, another artist in his own right who had submitted his own portrait and was runner-up. Whilst both artists were gay (which was illegal at the time) the author depicts them as being in a relationship in this novel, even though that has never been confirmed.
Dobell was considered a "modernist" by the conservative art world in Australia in 1943 and a lawsuit was lodged by two other artists, who claimed the portrait of Joshua Smith was a caricature and not traditional portraiture and therefore didn't meet the criteria to be awarded the prize. The controversy and court case were sensational at the time and even moved WW2 off the front page of newspapers. It also put such a strain on the friendship/relationship of Bill and Joshua they never spoke to each other again (Bill died in 1970 and Joshua in 1995)
This is well-written, but sometimes I wasn't sure why the protagonists said or did the things they did (likely based on research but still didn't make sense to me especially if they were lovers or even close friends). However, it has piqued my interest to see the original painting which is now displayed in the NSW Art Gallery.
September 7, 2023
A sad story of envy, and the inability to accept difference.
Although I was moved by the story, which was based on facts, I found the writing style off-putting as it seemed to move between recount, report, and narrative.
When two artists enter the 1943 Archibald Prize, a scandal erupts that grips not only the art world, but the nation. A poignant love story with shattering consequences, inspired by real-life events.
‘Is that what you want to do? Peer into my soul and capture my flaws, for all to see?’
As World War II draws to a close, Australian society is still deeply conservative. Homosexuality is illegal and the scourge of Modernism is infecting Australian art. When William Dobell paints a portrait of lover and fellow artist Joshua Smith, he is awarded Australia’s most prestigious art prize. A protest is lodged by Dobell’s competitors who claim the painting is a caricature. Both artist and sitter soon find themselves in the glare of the spotlight when a court case to determine the matter turns into a public spectacle.
Bill and Joshua’s relationship is put under pressure and at risk of being exposed as they are caught in a world where they must choose between love and art: between acceptance and exile.
Although I was moved by the story, which was based on facts, I found the writing style off-putting as it seemed to move between recount, report, and narrative.
When two artists enter the 1943 Archibald Prize, a scandal erupts that grips not only the art world, but the nation. A poignant love story with shattering consequences, inspired by real-life events.
‘Is that what you want to do? Peer into my soul and capture my flaws, for all to see?’
As World War II draws to a close, Australian society is still deeply conservative. Homosexuality is illegal and the scourge of Modernism is infecting Australian art. When William Dobell paints a portrait of lover and fellow artist Joshua Smith, he is awarded Australia’s most prestigious art prize. A protest is lodged by Dobell’s competitors who claim the painting is a caricature. Both artist and sitter soon find themselves in the glare of the spotlight when a court case to determine the matter turns into a public spectacle.
Bill and Joshua’s relationship is put under pressure and at risk of being exposed as they are caught in a world where they must choose between love and art: between acceptance and exile.
March 28, 2023
I can remember as a secondary art student putting together a project about Australian artist William Dobell. I had read about the 1943 controversy in which his portrait of friend and fellow artist Joshua Smith was described as a hideous caricature. Anderson brilliantly brings this story to life, with her description of the budding relationship between Bill and Joshua, always at risk of being stifled by the latter’s controlling mother Louisa. With his painting, Dobell had captured a determined spirit within Joshua’s gangly body, but the sensationalism that accompanied the court case about whether the painting was portrait or caricature, meant that this admirable characteristic became cold stubbornness. It is a compelling story of the conservative Sydney society of the time, both regarding modernism in art, and forbidden relationships. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, though it is an extremely sad story.
March 26, 2023
This book provided an insight into the art world, a world that I know nothing about. The relationship between Bill and Joshua was beautifully depicted, and the courtroom events were captured very well.
Ultimately, the story was a heart-breaking one. The effect of the court case on Joshua, and to a lesser extent Bill, was well articulated. It left me feeling very angry with Mary Edwards for her careless disregard for the possible impacts of her actions. But then, someone who would wear a red velvet cloak to court on a hot summer's day clearly has little capacity to think ahead. For her to tell Joshua to 'grow up and stop whining' was downright cruel.
The book led me to do some of my own research, which magnified my sadness for Joshua. I'd be curious now to read the only interview that he granted following the court case.
Ultimately, the story was a heart-breaking one. The effect of the court case on Joshua, and to a lesser extent Bill, was well articulated. It left me feeling very angry with Mary Edwards for her careless disregard for the possible impacts of her actions. But then, someone who would wear a red velvet cloak to court on a hot summer's day clearly has little capacity to think ahead. For her to tell Joshua to 'grow up and stop whining' was downright cruel.
The book led me to do some of my own research, which magnified my sadness for Joshua. I'd be curious now to read the only interview that he granted following the court case.
April 30, 2023
'The Prize' is a fictionalized telling of the Australian artist William Dobell and his lover and fellow artist Joshua Smith. Dobell had painted a portrait of Smith and entered it into the Archibald Prize and winning it. However, his competitors took Dobell to court, claiming the portrait was a caricature. This novel explores how this scandal impacted on Dobell and Smith's relationship.
I loved this book and couldn't stope reading it. Although fictionalized, Anderson has crafted a believable narrative surrounding the real events of 1943 and the people who lived them. I thought it was a beautifully written novel, blending love, art and principles which was heartbreaking in places.
It will stay with me for some time. Furthermore, it has given me more of an appreciation of Australian art, artists and Homosexual history of the 1940s, which I'm keen to learn more about.
I loved this book and couldn't stope reading it. Although fictionalized, Anderson has crafted a believable narrative surrounding the real events of 1943 and the people who lived them. I thought it was a beautifully written novel, blending love, art and principles which was heartbreaking in places.
It will stay with me for some time. Furthermore, it has given me more of an appreciation of Australian art, artists and Homosexual history of the 1940s, which I'm keen to learn more about.
May 24, 2024
I had little prior knowledge/interest regarding the Archibald prize, but after this read, I became quite invested in the 1943 controversy and want to learn more about the art circle and the whatnot.
Kim E Anderson brought the controversy to life with this fictionalised story of Bill Dobell and Joshua Smith, and the unfortunate descent into disaster for both parties. I felt quite strongly (negatively) about the Mary Edwards and Louisa Smith, they to me signify the close-mindedness of the society, the unwillingness to adapt to change and the type of attention-seeking that is just repugnant.
What could have been a great love story between Josh and Bill was tarnished and destroyed by the political climate towards homosexuality at that time, and if either one of them would take a step back and listen to each other, perhaps there could be a happily ever after?
Kim E Anderson brought the controversy to life with this fictionalised story of Bill Dobell and Joshua Smith, and the unfortunate descent into disaster for both parties. I felt quite strongly (negatively) about the Mary Edwards and Louisa Smith, they to me signify the close-mindedness of the society, the unwillingness to adapt to change and the type of attention-seeking that is just repugnant.
What could have been a great love story between Josh and Bill was tarnished and destroyed by the political climate towards homosexuality at that time, and if either one of them would take a step back and listen to each other, perhaps there could be a happily ever after?
April 12, 2023
The Prize is a fascinating read which describes a part of Australian history I knew nothing about. I enjoyed the way the reader learns about the main characters and their personalities. The background shared about the Archibald prize is very relevant to how the story pans out. Although a novel, based on true events I felt the author captured the characteristics of the main two artists and their families and friends very well. The court case scenes were long, but there was a lot to cover. The relationship between the artists is a special one and explored beautifully. The outcome is known from the start, so not a spoiler, but I found it very sad that their friendship was destroyed by the reaction of other artists, the public and some of their friends to the choice of the winning portrait. A really great debut novel from the author.
August 29, 2023
A novel that had the feel of authorship from a cloistered convent. With prose and characterisation detached from reality, drama descends to melodrama and then histrionic farce. A forbidden romance with the sensuality of a toothbrush renders both characters sexless mannequins - depriving an interesting true story of any dramatic stakes. Perhaps there is a sweet irony in a book that debates caricature vs portraiture when the caricatures are the flimsy, one-dimensional characters who inhabit the pages. The only saving grace for what will likely be the worst book I read this year is in reminding readers that Garfield Barwick was one of the great asshats of Australian legal/political history.
February 6, 2023
The Prize is a beautiful account of this rarely told piece of Australian history.
The love and deep friendship between Joshua and William is portrayed so delicately I found myself falling in love as well. The quiet moments between these two people slowed down time, I felt I was eavesdropping on beautiful moments in their lives.
Alongside this gripping love story, is deeply researched and fascinating depiction of the art scene, and the broader culture, in Sydney during the 1940’s. A peak into history that I would never have known about.
I could not have enjoyed this book more.
The love and deep friendship between Joshua and William is portrayed so delicately I found myself falling in love as well. The quiet moments between these two people slowed down time, I felt I was eavesdropping on beautiful moments in their lives.
Alongside this gripping love story, is deeply researched and fascinating depiction of the art scene, and the broader culture, in Sydney during the 1940’s. A peak into history that I would never have known about.
I could not have enjoyed this book more.
March 25, 2023
I enjoyed reading a story based on true events. The controversial Archibald prize in 1943 that broke the friendship between William Dobell (Bill) the winner and fellow artist, Joshua Smith. The society judged on how perfect portrait must be accurate has eliminated the art element from the painter point of view. What seems something to celebrate has turned out to be tragedy. Love, hates, jealousy are part of history and time may not always heals the wound. Reading this novel, I travelled the time to Wangi and Kings Cross during WWII.
May 25, 2023
Inspired by the real life events of the 1943 Archibald Prize controversy, The Prize paints a vivid picture (pun intended) of Sydney society in the 1940s and of a secret love affair behind the newspaper headlines and scandalous courtroom theatrics. Proving that sometimes less is more, its straightforward yet compelling writing style kept me turning those pages every night. I suggest an outing to the Art Gallery NSW asap to see the Archibald Prize, then buy yourself a copy of this book and enjoy the ride!
July 18, 2023
An interesting part of Australian art history that I was vaguely aware of, yet not the machinations behind the scenes.
The book is written ok, the characters seem 2 dimensional, I didn't really get a sense of either man - I felt they were at arms length. The relationship between them is described in vignettes, going away together and there being only one bed.
Both were obviously deeply affected by the court incident. However the writing didn't engage me enough to persevere, it's an ok read, but I have other books I'd like to tackle, so I'm leaving this one behind. Just not my jam.
The book is written ok, the characters seem 2 dimensional, I didn't really get a sense of either man - I felt they were at arms length. The relationship between them is described in vignettes, going away together and there being only one bed.
Both were obviously deeply affected by the court incident. However the writing didn't engage me enough to persevere, it's an ok read, but I have other books I'd like to tackle, so I'm leaving this one behind. Just not my jam.
September 21, 2023
I wanted this to be so much better than it was. The story of the court challenge to Dobell’s winning Archibald portrait of Joshua Smith is a wonderful moment in history and in Australian art where the shift to modernism takes place against the more traditional representation in portraiture. The court case was well documented through transcripts and so there were no surprises in the protagonists or in their positions. Where The Prize didn’t succeed for me was in the writing that tried to create the back story. Too often wooden and lacking the ability to create real people. I’ve reflected that this result was likely as there would be sensitivity in reading too much into the real lives of people to make a story. It is possible to take a well known real life occurrence and write it so that it is believable and respectful but this telling of the story didn’t do this.
July 29, 2026
Bookclub book for the month. Enjoyed this fictional story based on the real life events of the 1943 Archibald art prize. William Dobell won the prize with his painting of Joshua Smith , a fellow artist, whom he was in a secret relationship with. The win was challenged in court as being a caricature rather than a portrait. The stigma and secrecy that, by necessity, surrounded their relationship was incredible. Being able to google the actual painting and circumstances added to the story.
October 17, 2023
I was interested when I read about this controversial court case. Sad how a partnership can be
torn apart so easily. I felt for both of them! Wee bit disappointed in the style of the writing.
Not sure what the problem was for me, but it just wasn't quite as I imagined. Not bad, but
just felt something was missing.
torn apart so easily. I felt for both of them! Wee bit disappointed in the style of the writing.
Not sure what the problem was for me, but it just wasn't quite as I imagined. Not bad, but
just felt something was missing.
January 9, 2024
An interesting bit of domestic history, which I knew nothing about. This treats (most of) its characters with empathy and does a great job of bringing to life this scandal from Australian art history. Suffers a bit in the telling, being caught in not wanting to overdo the unknown intimate bits, while telling an inherently intimate story. Worth reading and enjoyable.
August 26, 2023
This novel fhas ictionalised the controversial 1943 Archibal Prize case. Unfortunately, while thoroughly researched, it is written in a pedestrian and didactic manner and contains a number of errors. Far less engaging than Peter Edwell's The Case that Stopped the Nation.
August 28, 2023
Good account of the biggest story in Aust art, the portrait of Joshua Smith by William Dobell, good friends and lovers whose lives were wrecked by the machinations of others. Reads like a novel but claimed as factual. Good
February 4, 2023
I really thought this was a wonderful book. I was totally transported into their world and relationship.
I also found it heart breaking and gripping. A great read that is beautifully written.
I also found it heart breaking and gripping. A great read that is beautifully written.
March 25, 2023
I really enjoyed The Prize it is beautifully written. The story of real life events with a fictional twist was very clever
June 22, 2023
This book broke my heart. I loved it. And the fact that it's based on a true story makes it somehow even worse. I highly recommend this book, especially for my LGBT besties. Do like me, get your heart beautifully broken by this book!!
July 21, 2023
excellent read, well written
August 26, 2023
Such a thought-provoking book about one of the great tragedies in Australian art where a disgruntled second-rate artist took Dobell to court to contest his win for the Archibald Prize.
September 10, 2024
Brilliant
April 20, 2025
1943. Australia’s greatest art prize. A decision that was controversial. A court case that broke the artist and the subject apart. Beautiful.
July 2, 2025
A sad tale.
December 10, 2025
When WIlliam Dobell enters a portrait of his best friend, Joshua, for the Archibald Prize, it leads to a series of events that neither of them could have envisaged.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews