-Diane Arbus
-Walker Evans
-Richard Avedon
-Tony Vaccaro
-Larry Clarke
Portraiture delves way beyond simply a photograph/painting/image of a person. Portraiture is a form of art that uses symbolism and imagery to create an overall portrayal of a character. Portraiture has played a key role within history. Prior to cameras, royalty, military, religious figures and anybody else that would be considered as part of the 'cultural elite' would hire a portrait artist, but would have the compromise of control and influence towards the way the final image would aesthetically appear, and the story it told. However, to a strong extent 'the camera does not lie', and so an entirely new art form was born, beautiful in that it is strong, clear and pure. The outcome will 9 times out of 10 reflect reality. This does not however mean that it cannot be manipulated to entice or emphasize meaning, emotion and symbolism:
- Symbolism - within portraiture this can take form as an object, setting, action, colour or even mythology; with appropiate contextual knowledge. For example, Louis XV was a self-proclaimed 'Sun King' and so therefore you will find alot of references to the greek god Apollo in his portraits.
- Enpowerment/Disenpowerment - imagery associated with power can often be indentified within portraiture by the subjects pose, or their possessions. A subject may be presented as large to represent superiority, equally luxurious clothing, jewels, the colour red all clone this imagery. Inversely, throughout history children appear with coral beads, their innocence and vulnerability is reflected through this item of protection.
- Setting - The surroundings of a subject within a portrait can also play a role into the imagery created. Elustrious furniture can represent luxury, equally, plain backgrounds can represent modesty.
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