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If the subject is a person and the painting is focused on them as an idividual, not as a symbol or situation (like in the WPA murals or a Norman Rockwell illustration), then it may well be a portrait. A portrait is meant to give the viewer a sense of the person that goes beyond their physical features. The pose, setting and lighting are all serving to reinforce a strong viewpoint of who this person is. Traditionally, portraits are highly designed and include the hands. If it does not include the hands, it is a "head painting." Many are mistakenly given paintings that are not portraits, but merely photo replications. (There are also portraits of pets.)

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Q: How can you identify a portrait painting?
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