portraiture

noun

por·​trai·​ture ˈpȯr-trə-ˌchu̇r 

-chər,

-ˌtyu̇r,

-ˌtu̇r

1

: the making of portraits : portrayal

2

: portrait

Synonyms

• definition
• delineation
• depiction
• description
• picture
• portrait
• portrayal
• rendering
• sketch
• vignette

Examples of portraiture in a Sentence

The museum is exhibiting portraiture from the late 19th century.

Recent Examples on the Web

Heidi has since produced numerous series that mimic the works of old masters and artistic icons, as well as portraiture. —Lee Sharrock, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024

This is her first dramatic feature, and no doubt her previous background as a documentarian helped account for such searching portraiture. —Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Nov. 2024

Known for her use of grayscale to depict Black skin and vibrant, symbolic backgrounds, Sherald’s work centers on the humanity and resilience of her subjects, often overlooked in traditional portraiture. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 25 Sep. 2024

His methodology blurred the lines between photography, video, portraiture, sculpture, and site-specific works. —Nathan Pugh, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English purtreiture, portratowre, portrature "representation by painting or drawing, the art of painting or drawing," borrowed from Anglo-French purtraiture (also continental Old French pourtraiture), from purtrait, past participle of purtraire "to represent, depict" + -ure -ure — more at portray

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1