Many of the works of art shown on
this site depict people sitting or standing alone. In
this case the main relationship is that between the sitter
and the viewer. Our opinions of the sitter can be formed
by their pose, what they are wearing and any expression
they may have. In deciding what to wear and which pose
to adopt, the sitter thinks about how they want to be
seen and the artist must think about how to communicate
certain ideas and messages about the sitter. For example,
Pauline Bonaparte, who in fact was well known for her
wild ways, has been shown looking elegant and refined.
In this section you can compare two different portraits
of individuals: one of Pauline
Bonaparte and one
of Sir
William Holburne. In reality, the portrait of
Pauline
Bonaparte is about 70 x 52 cm in size, while that
of Sir
William Holburne, the founder of the Holburne Museum,
is a miniature, measuring 10 x 8 cm approx. The size
of these portraits indicates how they were intended
to
be seen and used. While a miniature is portable and
for reserved for private consumption, larger images
could
be used for more public display. |
