I. Thinking about portraits activity
What do you see when you look at a portrait?
You see an actual person who has chosen to be depicted in a very specific way. That
depiction can give the viewer clues as to the personality of the sitter and the reason why
the portrait was made.
One excellent source of clues is clothing. The clothing being worn by the sitter was
deliberately chosen for the occasion. When looking at a portrait, we should ask, why this
outfit? Does it have a meaning to convey?
What would you wear
- to a picnic at the beach?
- to a fancy wedding reception?
- if you were being presented a medal by the President?
- if you had just inherited a million dollars?
- if you were having your portrait made?
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The facial expression of the sitter is another source of clues.
Draw a series of 8 circles, each about the size of a quarter. Inside these circles, draw
facial expressions reflecting the following adjectives :
confident
happy
powerful
peaceful
sad
surprised
thoughtful
victorious
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Another source of clues is the pose of the sitter or any gesture they are using.
Strike a pose and demonstrate how would you stand or hold your arms or hands to indicate
each of these adjectives :
confident
happy
powerful
peaceful
sad
surprised
thoughtful
victorious
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The props or background used in a portrait can also help us learn about the
sitters character, personality, and social position.
What props or background could suggest learning and education?
What props or background could suggest wealth?
What props or background could suggest authority and power?
What props or background could suggest femininity? Masculinity?
Proceed to 17th
century portrait activity.
Return to Introduction
to Painted Pilgrims.
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