court painting

Court painting refers to a genre of art where artists create portraits or scenes depicting royal figures and their courtiers. Often commissioned by monarchs or nobility, these paintings served to showcase power, wealth, and status. They typically emphasized idealized features and opulent attire, reflecting the grandeur of the court. Court paintings were also used as political tools, reinforcing the legitimacy of rulers and their dynasties. Famous examples include works by artists like Diego Velázquez and Hans Holbein, which not only captured individual likenesses but also conveyed the cultural and political significance of the time.