portrait
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portrait
An artistic representation of a person, especially the face, for example as a painting, photograph, or drawing.
Im Museum hängt ein berühmtes Porträt von Rembrandt.
A famous portrait by Rembrandt hangs in the museum.
The verb 'porträtieren' (to portray) is derived from the noun 'das Porträt' (portrait). It means to represent a person through art or through a description.
Der Künstler porträtierte die ganze Familie.
The artist portrayed the whole family.
A 'Porträt' (portrait) can be a picture (painting, photo) or a text or film. The context reveals the meaning: if it is about art and painting, a picture is meant. If it is about newspapers or television, a description is meant.
In der Galerie sind mehrere Porträts aus dem 19. Jahrhundert ausgestellt.
Several portraits from the 19th century are on display in the gallery.
When it is about an artistic portrait, the verbs 'malen' (to paint), 'zeichnen' (to draw), or 'fotografieren' (to photograph) are often used. You can also 'ein Porträt in Auftrag geben' (commission a portrait), meaning pay someone to do it.
Sie hat ein Porträt von ihrem Hund malen lassen.
She had a portrait of her dog painted.
A portrait that an artist makes of themselves is called 'das Selbstporträt' (self-portrait). It is an important form in art history.
Die Selbstporträts von Frida Kahlo sind weltberühmt.
Frida Kahlo's self-portraits are world-famous.
picture / image
'das Bild' and 'das Porträt' can both be a visible representation, for example a photo or a painting. 'Bild' is very general and can show people, animals, things, or landscapes. 'Porträt' is more specific: it shows a person, often especially their face, and usually feels somewhat more artistic or intentional. The words can be confused when a person can be seen in a picture. If the person themselves is the focus, 'Porträt' fits better; otherwise, 'Bild' is often more natural.
Für die Zeitung macht der Fotograf ein Porträt der neuen Bürgermeisterin.
For the newspaper, the photographer takes a portrait of the new mayor.
Im Park macht Lisa ein Bild von den alten Bäumen.
In the park, Lisa takes a picture of the old trees.