Harold Abbott Miss Jeanie Ranken

This portrait of journalist Jeanie Ranken by Harold Abbott was runner up in the 1937 Archibald Prize, receiving the following praise from the Sydney Morning Herald art critic:

'... one of the younger artists has increased his scope and provided an impressive work. This is Harold Abbott’s portrait of Miss Jeanie Ranken. The general effect is discriminating, not to say highly discreet. The figure has been displayed as an element in a piece of flat decoration. A parallel with well-known portraits by Whistler is unavoidable. But Mr Abbott’s sense of colour is definitely his own. He uses his colours tenderly, yet with a keen sense of accent. The characteristic mien and appearance of the sitter, too, have been calmly and surely conveyed.’

Visible on the wall behind the sitter is a small self-portrait sketch of the artist painted in 1932 while Abbott was a student at the Royal Academy Schools, London. This self-portrait is now in the collection of the National Gallery of Australia.