portrett

Portrett (portrait) is a representation of a person that seeks to capture likeness, personality, or status. Historically, the subject may be depicted in profile or three-quarters view, with attention to facial expression, pose, and gesture. Portraits are created in various media, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and photography, and can be formal or informal, single- or multi-figure works.

The history of portraiture begins with ancient civilizations, but in Western art the portrait gained prominence in the Renaissance, with artists such as Jan van Eyck and Leonardo da Vinci advancing realism and psychological depth. In the Baroque and Rococo periods, portraits often conveyed power and taste. In the 19th and 20th centuries, photography opened new avenues for immediate likeness, later expanded by modern and contemporary art.

Techniques and composition: Portraits use light, color, and background to emphasize the subject. Painted portraits often use oil on canvas, panels, or fresco; sculpture uses marble or bronze. Photographic portraits use studio lighting and settings, or environmental portraiture. Self-portraits are a distinct genre, exploring identity and representation.

Cultural and contemporary significance: Portraits have long served remembrance, status display, and genealogical purposes. In modern times, digital imagery, social media avatars, and AI-generated portraits extend the concept beyond traditional media, raising questions about authorship, consent, and authenticity.