HUM 145 Lecture 11: PORTRAIT: All about the portrait genre
Document Summary
The term portrait refers to the representation of the figure of a person, in either painting or sculpture; it defines or portrays the features and characteristics of that person. In painting, the pictorial portrait is a genre of painting, illustrating the external or visual appearance of a model. Usually human beings are represented, but in some cases, animals can be illustrated. Although, commonly, portraitists work on request, or inspired by individuals or publics. When the author decides to paint himself, it is called a self-portrait. In principle, the rich and powerful were portrayed. However, little by little, the portrait spread among the middle class, with commissions for family or colleagues. The genre, too, was evolving with respect to technique. To achieve a well-made portrait, the artists sought not only to capture the external appearance, but also to try to represent the internal meaning and essence of the protagonist.
