Portrait Painting
To render the human image, to illustrate it with a chosen medium on a chosen flat surface, is an art, a craft, which has existed since early civilization. 
Drawings, carvings and paintings were made of people of greatness at the time, such as honored leaders of the population. Youth was depicted individually or grouped, from infants to young adults.
Also characters were illustrated in community or village scenes depicting daily and social life of those of all ages from infant to elderly subjects, thus multiple generations.
Romantic and affectionate uses came about for subjects perceived to be of great beauty, or for subjects loved and endeared.
So, great leaders, legendary heroes, warriors, royalty, specimens of beauty, loved ones and loved animals were depicted in paintings and illustrations more and more as centuries passed and civilization advanced. Thus, the term "portrait" to describe the portrayal of these subjects and characters. This also brought forth a craft for some to master, and to fill a special or official role, an occupation as the artist paints and "portrays" these subjects. Hence the term "portrait artist," or "portrait painter," was born.
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