Genres and Subjects - Genres - Portraiture

5 important questions on Genres and Subjects - Genres - Portraiture

When did the portrait truly rise in popularity?

During the Renaissance, when people started believing that man was made in God's image and individuals should be celebrated for that reason.

For what reason were single portraits often painted?

To glorify the person in case, and to promote their image. They were propagandistic and commemorative, showing off wealth and power.

Why are group portraits difficult to interpret?

Because they often concern the relationships between their sitters through the way in which they are depicted together, while also still showing off status and wealth.
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Which style figure was/is generally most important to portraits?

Symbolism.

For what reasons did artists create self-portraits?

Either for self-promotion (fame/status/the creation of a new identity) or, in the case of Caravaggio, as a plea for forgiveness.

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