Portrait painting is a genre in painting , where the intent is to depict the visual appearance of the subject, mostly a person, whereas the portrait is expected to show the essence of the subject. The term 'portrait painting' can also describe a painted portrait.

Portraitists create their portraits by commission or are inspired by admiration or affection for the subject. If an artist portrayes him- or herself, the result is called a self-portrait. Portraits can depict the subject 'full body', 'half length' or 'head and shoulders'.