Commissioned portraits

Commissioned portraits are artworks created by an artist at the request of a client, typically representing a person. The client commissions, or hires, the artist to produce a personalized image, often capturing the subject’s appearance, personality, or status. These portraits can serve personal, commemorative, or status-symbol purposes. The process usually involves discussions about the subject’s features, preferences, and style before the artist begins creating the piece. Once completed, the portrait is owned by the client. Historically, commissioned portraits have been important for documenting individuals' likenesses and conveying social or cultural messages.