What is a Portrait?

Portrait can be defined in a plethora of ways simply because there is no cookie cutter way to describe it. Through my eyes, I see this form of art as something that embodies both the body and the soul. With this, the status or personality of the person is represented and on display for audiences.  In some situations, a nearby object may become the focus rather than the model striking the pose. This helps us take into account the relationship between the artist and the model. Portraits have the potential to reveal both emotions and social status of an individual or group of individuals, and can take on numerous interpretations. 

Without either the artist or the model, a portrait wouldn't exist. Their relationship in addition to that would make it hard for audiences to form any opinions or assumptions around the art. When looking at a portrait, it's also important to take into account not only the physical presence of the art, but the personality and soul that lies underneath. Understanding this brings us one step closer to figuring out what makes something a portrait. As previously mentioned, any emotion or rationale conclusion that can be taken out of something, can be viewed as art. This form of art can be depicted as a portrait, because it reveals such emotion or status of someone or something.