What’s in a Portrait? How to Decode Faces in Famous Paintings!

Portraits are like windows into the past. They tell us about the people in them—their emotions, their status, and even their stories. For kids, learning how to decode the clues in a portrait can be a fun and interactive way to connect with art. Here’s a simple guide to help little ones unlock the secrets behind famous faces.

1. Start with Facial Expressions

One of the easiest places to begin is by looking at the facial expression of the person in the portrait. Are they smiling, frowning, or looking serious? You can ask kids:

• “Does this person look happy, sad, or maybe thoughtful?”
• “What do you think they might be feeling right now?”

For example, when looking at Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, you might notice how her smile is both mysterious and soft. This can lead to a great conversation about how art sometimes leaves things open for us to imagine!

2. Look at Their Eyes

Eyes are the windows to the soul, and in portraits, they can reveal a lot! Encourage kids to notice where the person is looking:

•  “Are their eyes looking directly at you or off to the side?”
•  “Do they look calm, or do they seem intense?”

In many portraits, like Girl with a Pearl Earring by Vermeer, the eyes capture your attention and invite you to wonder what the person might be thinking or seeing.

3. What Are They Wearing?

Clothing in portraits can tell us a lot about the time period, the person’s job, or their social status. Ask kids to describe the outfit:

• “What kinds of clothes is the person wearing?” 
• “Do the clothes look fancy, simple, or unusual?”

You can look at portraits of kings and queens, like those of Queen Elizabeth I, where elaborate clothing and jewelry were used to show wealth and power. This is a great way to introduce kids to historical fashion and its importance.

4. Check Out the Background

The background in a portrait isn’t just for decoration! It often gives us clues about the person’s life. Encourage kids to notice details in the surroundings:

• “What do you see behind the person?”
• “Is it a landscape, a room, or maybe something unusual?”

For instance, in The Arnolfini Portrait by Jan van Eyck, the background includes a room full of symbolic objects, from a mirror to a chandelier, all of which have meanings that tell us more about the couple in the painting.

5. What Are They Holding?

Sometimes, the person in the portrait is holding something—a book, a flower, or maybe a sword! These objects are often important clues about who the person was or what they did. Ask:

• “What is the person holding?”
• “Why do you think that’s important?”

In Portraits of George Washington, for example, he’s often seen with items that represent leadership, like a military uniform or documents. This helps kids see how objects can give insight into someone’s role in society.

6. Let Their Imagination Run Wild!

One of the most fun parts of looking at portraits is letting kids create their own stories. After analyzing the expressions, clothing, background, and objects, ask them:

•  "What do you think this person’s life was like?”
•  “If this person could talk, what do you think they would say?”

Encouraging kids to come up with their own interpretations sparks creativity and makes art feel like an adventure!

 Teaching kids how to decode portraits helps them see art as more than just pretty pictures—it becomes a puzzle they get to solve. With a little guidance, they’ll start noticing the hidden stories behind every face, sparking a lifelong curiosity about art. So next time you’re looking at a painting together, remember to ask, “What’s in this portrait?” and watch the magic unfold!