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Shane Warne Portrait Added to Library Collection
22 October 2007
A portrait of cricketing legend Shane Warne by Victorian artist David Ralph can now be seen in the Library's Newspaper Reading Room.
The painting celebrates Warne's record-breaking 533rd Test wicket in Chennai, India. It is the only portrait the cricketer has sat for in Australia and one of only two he has sat for in the world (the other being in the Long Room of Lords, England).
The controversial and celebrated bowler joins a host of other Victorian icons represented in the Library's collection. Shane Carmody, Director of Collections and Access at the Library, notes that 'The State Library has a large collection of portraits of prominent Victorians, and as the greatest cricketer of his generation, Shane Warne is a fitting addition to this historical record'.
‘The picture is significant because it was made whilst Warne was at the peak of his career and is a celebration of his record-breaking achievement.'
Artist David Ralph is well known for his evocative landscapes and images of ordinary life. His compelling image of film-maker Adam Elliot was exhibited for the 2005 Archibald Prize. Ralph's portrait of Warne was ineligible for the Archibald because the prize is limited to portraits of men or women distinguished in ‘Arts, Letters, Science or Politics'.
Ralph's portrait of Warne was purchased with the generous assistance of the State Library Foundation.
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