portraitist

American  

[pawr-tri-tist, -trey-, pohr-] / ˈpɔr trɪ tɪst, -treɪ-, ˈpoʊr- /

noun

1. a person who makes portraits.

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portraitist British  

/ -treɪ-, ˈpɔːtrɪtɪst /

noun

1. an artist, photographer, etc, who specializes in portraits

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Etymology

Origin of portraitist

First recorded in 1865–70; portrait + -ist

Example Sentences

The leading portraitist of the late 18th and early 19th century, he was renowned for his direct and powerful style.

From BBC • Jan. 25, 2026

Two features define Rembrandt as a portraitist and serve as the measure of his greatness.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 24, 2026

But the image that haunts me from this show is a simple painting by the portraitist Jordan Casteel, called “Fendi.”

From Washington Post • Apr. 7, 2023

Opting for Ms. Rosales as his portraitist was a pledge of further allegiance by Harry to America, inclusivity and the new life he and his wife claim to have made.

From New York Times • Jan. 9, 2023

To the same skilful portraitist are due: 660, a Knight of Malta; and 661, A Daughter of Louis XV. as a Vestal Virgin.

From The Story of Paris by Kimball, Katherine