Hennessy Portrait Prize
Hennessy Portrait Prize
Now in its fourth year, the Hennessy Portrait Prize is open to artists in all disciplines who are either resident in Ireland or Irish citizens living abroad. The aim of the competition is to showcase and encourage interest in contemporary portraiture, and to raise the profile of the long-standing and constantly evolving National Portrait Collection at the National Gallery of Ireland.
Entry has now closed for this year's Hennessy Portrait Prize, and from the submissions already received, shortlist of approximately twelve works will be chosen by the judging panel, which will be exhibited as part of the Hennessy Portrait Prize exhibition in the National Gallery of Ireland this winter.
One artist receives a prize of €15,000 and a commission worth €5,000 to produce a new work for inclusion in the National Portrait Collection. Two additional prizes of €1,500 will be awarded to highly-commended works.
National Portrait Collection
The origins of the National Portrait Collection date back to 1875. Over the years the collection has been developed with additions of many works depicting prominent Irish individuals who have contributed to the civic, social, and cultural life of the nation. The Hennessy Portrait Prize, launched in 2014, has further contributed to the growth of this significant collection.
Explore the portrait collectionG.B. Shaw (1856-1950)"You use a glass mirror to see your face; you use works of art to see your soul."
Portrait of Henry Shefflin unveiled
A portrait of All-Ireland championship hurler, Henry Shefflin, was unveiled on Monday 12 June. The painting, by Tipperary born artist, Gerry Davis, was commissioned by the National Gallery of Ireland as part of the Hennessy Portrait Prize 2016. It will be on display to the public from Thursday 15 June when the refurbished wings reopen.