PROMPT from Sept 18 - Visual Study of Portraiture:

How has portraiture evolved into the 21st century? Do the same types of characteristics found in colonial portraiture exist in contemporary portrait art?

Select one image from the set of images provided to answer this question. Provide a detailed description of the portrait in your response.

Grading Summary for Sept 18 In-class Activity

Class Average: 89%

General Observations

Strengths Across the Class:

Strong engagement with issues of race, representation, and power dynamics

Good understanding that portraiture has become more inclusive and diverse

Many students made sophisticated connections between visual details and broader cultural meanings

Excellent observations about specific artworks, particularly Hendricks' "Sir Charles"

Areas for Growth:

Some students need to provide more specific visual descriptions (colors, poses, compositions, materials)

A few responses were too brief and need fuller development

Important terminology clarification needed: Several students described colonial portraiture as "realistic"—it was actually idealistic (see attached terminology note)

Some students need to focus on answering all parts of the prompt systematically

Important Note About Portraiture Terminology

Colonial Portraiture: Idealistic, Not Realistic

As you analyze the evolution of portraiture from the colonial era to contemporary times, it's important to use accurate terminology when describing these different artistic approaches.

Colonial Era Portraiture (17th-18th centuries)

Colonial portraiture was idealistic rather than realistic. This means:

Artists aimed to present an idealized version of their subjects

Portraits emphasized the subject's status, dignity, and social position

Features were often enhanced or softened to present the most flattering version

The goal was to communicate wealth, power, and respectability, not to capture subjects exactly as they appeared

Subjects were portrayed according to social conventions and expectations of the time

Realism as an Art Movement

Realism (capital R) was an actual art movement that:

Began in the mid-19th century (1840s-1850s)

Aimed to depict subjects truthfully and objectively

Rejected idealization in favor of showing life as it actually was

Often focused on ordinary people and everyday scenes

Hyperrealism

Hyperrealism is a style that:

Emerged in the late 20th century (1960s-1970s)

Creates paintings that look almost photographic in their precision

Uses extremely detailed techniques to achieve an illusion of reality

Better Terminology for Your Analysis

When comparing colonial and contemporary portraiture, consider using these more accurate descriptions:

For Colonial Portraiture:

"Idealized depictions"

"Formal and dignified presentations"

"Carefully composed to show status"

"Flattering representations"

"Convention-driven portrayals"

For Contemporary Portraiture:

"Abstract approaches"

"Expressive techniques"

"Conceptual interpretations"

"Personal or emotional representations"

"Experimental styles"

Why This Matters

Using precise terminology helps us:

Understand the different goals of portraiture across time periods

Recognize that colonial artists weren't trying to create "realistic" images—they were creating status symbols

Appreciate how contemporary artists are doing something fundamentally different by exploring identity, emotion, and cultural meaning rather than simply updating techniques

When you write about portraiture evolution, think about the intention behind the art rather than just the visual style. Colonial portraiture idealized subjects to reinforce social hierarchies, while contemporary portraiture often seeks to express individuality, challenge stereotypes, or explore complex identities.