Subjects and themes
To help visitors explore the Gallery's collections every portrait digitised is keyworded at the Gallery by subject, with five main categories: accessory, activity, dress, genre and theme. Some individual keywords in each category are illustrated with a selection of portraits below. To explore the full list of keywords in each category and the full set of portraits keyworded in each category, go to the Subjects and Themes section under Portrait in Advanced Search.
Accessory
Objects and other elements within the portrait (examples: art, books, clocks, flowers, maps, mirrors, pets and textiles).
Activity
What sitters are doing (examples: dancing, eating and drinking, making art and music, reading, sleeping and writing).
Dress
What sitters are wearing and holding (examples: glasses, fans, gloves, hats, jewellery, umbrellas).
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Genre
Portraiture types (examples: self-portraits, group portraits, portraits of children and families, nudes, weddings).
Theme
Overarching themes (examples: diversity, events and occasions, artists in their studios, words and inscriptions, gardens).
Do, draw and make!
Do, draw and make!
From building dens to food faces – enjoy our Playful Portraits activities and find out about some brilliant people!
Healthcare Heroes
Activities for children and families inspired by three healthcare heroes from our Collection.
Learning resources
Downloadable and web based resources to support learning at home linked to art, history, citizenship and literacy.