Definition of portrait

The word "portrait" has its roots in Old French and Latin. The Latin word "portre" means "to carry" or "to bear," and the Old French word "portraiture" was derived from this. In the 14th century, the term "portrait" referred to a painted representation of a person that was meant to be carried or worn. This could include miniatures, which were small paintings on metal or ivory that wore around the neck. Over time, the term "portrait" evolved to refer specifically to a painting or drawing of a person, often in a likeness or representation. Today, the word "portrait" encompasses a wide range of artistic mediums and styles, from traditional oil paintings to digital photographs and beyond. Despite its origins in carrying or wearing, the modern concept of a portrait is often static and stationary.