A portrait is an artwork that has been created about a person or persons (sometimes of animals) which tells us something about them. Sometimes a portrait doesn't seem to look like the person it is meant to be, but it may still show us something about that person. For instance if bright lively colours like reds, yellows and oranges are used we might feel that the person is a lively and happy person. The art of portrait making is called portraiture. Portraits can be painted or photographs or even sculptures. Portraits can show a view from the side of a person (profile) or the front, or partway in between the side and the front with the head turned slightly (¾ view). A portrait can show the full length of the person's body or less of the body but usually shows the head. Below are some portraits by famous artists which show different views of the person.

Nicholas Kratzer (1528) by Hans Holbein. Hans Holbein (1497/8 -1543) was employed by King Henry VIII as court painter and painted many portraits of the royal family and well known people of his time. Nicholas Kratzer was the king's astronomer. He is shown in ¾ view in this portrait.