Breaking: Portrait of Jacob Collins wins Archibald Packing Room Prize
Melbourne artist Sean Layh has won the 2026 Archibald Packing Room Prize for his portrait of actor Jacob Collins titled *The tragicall historie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke*. The painting, inspired by classical literature and theatre, captures Collins in character as Hamlet, emphasizing melancholy over dramatic action. Layh's work is among 59 finalists for the Archibald Prize, which will be awarded separately.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Archibald Packing Room Prize 2026 won by Sean Layh for portrait of Jacob CollinsBy Hannah Story and Nicola HeathABC ArtsTopic:Visual Art27m ago27 minutes agoThu 30 Apr 2026 at 1:28amMelbourne artist Sean Layh's portrait of actor Jacob Collins, The tragicall historie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke. (Supplied: AGNSW/Jenni Carter)abc.net.au/news/archibald-packing-room-prize-2026-sean-layh-jacob-collins/106616628Link copiedShareShare articleSean Layh has won the $3,000 Archibald Packing Room Prize for his portrait of British Australian actor Jacob Collins, The tragicall historie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke.Layh first met his subject after he saw him perform as Hamlet in Melbourne in 2024."It was performed by candlelight in a tight physical setting and blended Hamlet's dark introspection with…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).