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.
portrait
Both words refer to an artistic representation of a person. “Das Porträt” is the usual neutral term and can refer, for example, to a painting, drawing, or photograph. “Das Bildnis” also means this kind of representation, but sounds more elevated and literary.
In der alten Beschreibung wird das Gemälde als Bildnis der Königin bezeichnet.
The old description refers to the painting as a portrait of the queen.
Im Museum hängt ein Porträt der Königin aus dem achtzehnten Jahrhundert.
The museum has an eighteenth-century portrait of the queen hanging in it.
