Not just a pretty face: exploring portraits

In an age of smartphones, it’s hard to imagine a time before photography. But until the early 19th century, when the world’s first photograph was taken by the French inventor Nicéphore Niépce, portraits (including paintings, sculptures and sketches) were the only way to record a person’s features. 

Traditionally flattering, portraits date back to at least ancient Egypt and particularly over the last 5,000 years have been important societal tools for illustrating power, beauty or wealth. Amongst the genre are some of the most famous artworks in the world – including ‘Lady with an Ermine’ by Leonardo da Vinci and ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ by Johannes Vermeer. Artists such as Frida Kahlo and Pablo Picasso have also documented their lives through their paintings.

Over the years, trends have dictated different styles of portraiture. The Baroque period saw dramatic religious scenes and contrasts in light and shadow, while Romanticism led to the rise of the ‘romantic hero’, as seen in portraits of Napoleon Bonaparte. Modernists transformed portraiture with shapes and colour, and Impressionists prioritised impressions of light over recognisable facial features.

One thing that has remained is a portrait’s ability to capture not just the physical attributes, but the energy and personality of a person. With many of our artists creating spectacular portraits of their own, we’re taking you through some of art’s best-known examples.

To discuss any of the artworks featured, feel free to get in touch.