groups which have been included in artworks and/or have made artworks

a person’s level of importance, rank, or social standing

the way someone stands or sits, especially in to show a certain feeling, attitude, or idea

how the subject’s eyes are directed—whether they are looking directly at the viewer, or in a different direction

Exploring power in the portrait

Art and design

What is a portrait?

Exploring portraits through paint

Exploring portraits through 3D

Using portraiture to reveal and conceal identities

Words in portraits

This unit explores portraiture’s power in expressing identity, culture, and belief. Pupils will study artists who challenge stereotypes and explore power, representation, and concealment. They will develop critical thinking while reinforcing respect, tolerance, and self-expression.

Identity: exploring portraiture

Discriminatory behaviour or images, whether on the grounds of race, gender, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation, or otherwise.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction of war, threats of war, death or the aftermath of war.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Symbols are used to decorate the artwork and don’t have much meaning or status.

Symbols can communicate wealth, status and control without using words.

Symbols are only used in portraits of kings and queens to show status.

Which is the most accurate statement about how symbols can convey power in a portrait?

a group who share common interests, goals, experiences or values

Match these key words with the correct definition:

Fill in the gap: A subject's {{ }} helps to communicate power in a portrait.

Which is the missing word? Artists make work for lots of reasons to create a legacy, make money, connect with __________ or make a statement among many other reasons.

The lighting technique used to highlight the face

What does the term gaze refer to in a portrait?

A group of people who enjoy all forms of art.

A particular group at which an artwork is aimed.

Which is the best definition of 'target audience'?

Fill the gap: A {{}} is a group of people who share common interests, goals, experiences or values.

Art has one clear meaning for all audiences.

Art is interpreted differently by different people.

Art is only understood by artists and critics.

Art is universally understood in exactly the same way by everyone.

Which of the following best describes how people understand art?

Art is found in lots of locations, both public spaces and private spaces.

Art is only created for academic purposes in universities.

Art is only found in galleries and museums.

Art is restricted to specific cultural contexts, like community centres.

Which of the following best describes where art can be found?

Complete the sentence: Artists create a {{}} with their target audiences.

Starter Quiz

What does the term gaze refer to in a portrait?