portrait
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portrait
An artistic representation of a person, especially a portrait in the form of a painting, drawing, or sculpture.
Im Museum hing ein berühmtes Bildnis des Dichters Goethe.
A famous portrait of the poet Goethe was hanging in the museum.
'Bildnis' (portrait) is derived from 'das Bild' (the picture/image). The ending '-nis' here indicates a special, usually artistic form of an image that represents a person. So it is more than just a photo or any ordinary picture.
Der Künstler fertigte ein Bildnis des berühmten Schriftstellers an.
The artist made a portrait of the famous writer.
The word 'Bildnis' (portrait) belongs to an elevated, formal register. You mainly find it in texts about art, history, or in literature. In everyday language, people would more likely say 'Porträt' (portrait) or 'Bild' (picture/image).
Im Schloss ist das Bildnis der Königin aus dem 18. Jahrhundert ausgestellt.
The portrait of the queen from the 18th century is on display in the castle.
Verbs that describe a creative or official act are often used with 'Bildnis' (portrait). Typical combinations are 'ein Bildnis anfertigen' (to make a portrait), 'ein Bildnis schaffen' (to create a portrait), or 'ein Bildnis enthüllen' (to unveil a portrait).
Der Maler hat ein eindrucksvolles Bildnis seiner Frau geschaffen.
The painter created an impressive portrait of his wife.
presentation / portrayal
'Darstellung' and 'Bildnis' can both mean that something or someone is shown. However, 'Darstellung' is much more general: it can refer to texts, images, graphics, or the way a topic is presented. 'Bildnis' is used especially for an artistic portrait of a person, for example as a painting, drawing, or sculpture. The words can be confused when a person is shown in a picture. In that case, 'Bildnis' is more precise if it is really about a portrait. 'Darstellung' fits better when the way something is shown or described is the main focus.
Im Museum sahen wir ein altes Bildnis einer jungen Königin.
In the museum, we saw an old portrait of a young queen.
Die Darstellung der Ereignisse im Bericht war klar und leicht zu verstehen.
The presentation of the events in the report was clear and easy to understand.