Term: Portrait

A portrait is a figure painting where the likeness of a person's face and its expression is predominant. Portraits may include only the person's head, a half-length representation of the torso, or a full-length presentation of the figure. The key is that the figure is subordinate to the face in the composition.

Portraits are normally of individuals that exist in real life or history. If an artist portrays himself or herself as the subject, the portrait is called a self portrait. A portrait most often shows the person looking directly at the artist or viewer but this orientation is not required. The intent of a portrait is to capture the personality, status, or mood of the subject even though the apparel and background are typically depicted.

Many great artists, such as Rembrandt van Rijn, are known for their portraits. Historically, portrait paintings have primarily memorialized the rich and powerful. Today, portraits are still commissioned by governments, corporations, groups, clubs, and individuals.