# portraiture

/pˈɔːtɹɪtʃɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/portraiture
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

the art or practice of making portraits. It involves creating images or sculptures of a person's face and body to show their character or likeness.

For teachers: the art or practice of producing portraits. Refers to the genre of visual art focused on the depiction of the human face and figure.

## Examples

- She is a master of oil portraiture.
- The museum's collection includes several famous examples of Renaissance portraiture that showcase the era's attention to detail.
- While photography eventually replaced traditional portraiture for many practical purposes, the demand for hand-painted portraits remains high among those seeking a unique, artistic representation of their likeness.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.