Most people would be flattered to have their portrait painted by a living legend of fine art.
But it seems mining mogul Gina Rinehart doesn't feel that way, after reports emerged the billionaire demanded the National Gallery of Australia remove a painting by Vincent Namatjira OAM depicting her.
Arrernte man Namatjira is considered one of the country's greatest artists, and is the great-grandson of the painting icon Albert Namatjira.
The full artwork as it appears in the NGA, Canberra. Rinehart and her company Hancock Prospecting have made repeated attempts to have her portrait (centre) removed. Source: AAP / LUKAS COCH/AAPIMAGE
Rinehart's portrait appears between a painting of Adam Goodes and what appears to be a self-portrait of Namatjira himself.
The Nine papers reported on Wednesday that Rinehart, Australia's richest person, personally appealed to NGA director Nick Mitzevich and NGA chair Ryan Stokes in April to have the portrait removed.
Hancock Prospecting, Rinehart's $20 billion dollar mining business, has also reportedly made multiple such requests, alluding to a concern that the perceived unflattering nature of the portrait could jeopardise the company's standing.
In a statement, NGA neither confirmed nor denied that they had received any such representations.
"The National Gallery welcomes the public having a dialogue on our collection and displays," said a spokesperson.
"We present works of art to the Australian public to inspire people to explore, experience and learn about art."
There has been no suggestion of removing the artwork.
Hancock Prospecting has been contacted for comment.
The company takes its name from founder, and father to Rinehart, Lang Hancock.
In the 1980s, Hancock notoriously made racist comments about First Nations people.
Rinehart has never condemned those comments.
In 2022, Noongar woman and Diamonds netballer Donnell Wallam questioned Hancock Prospecting's sponsorship of Netball Australia, in light of its history.
In response, the company withdrew the funding.
