Personification Pictures: Bringing Inanimate Subjects to Life
Personification is a literary device that attributes human qualities to non‑human entities. When applied to visual art, it transforms ordinary objects or scenes into expressive portraits that resonate with viewers. In this article, we explore how personification pictures are created, their educational value, and how they connect to classic works such as Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Oval Portrait.” Whether you are an art teacher, a student, or an enthusiast, this guide will help you appreciate the magic of personifying the inanimate.
What Is Personification?
Personification is the act of giving human characteristics—such as feelings, thoughts, or actions—to animals, plants, objects, or abstract ideas. In literature, it might read, “The wind whispered through the trees.” In visual media, the same idea can be depicted through color, posture, or symbolic elements that suggest personality.
Personification in Visual Art
Artists use personification to:
- Highlight emotional themes
- Create narrative depth
- Invite viewers to interpret symbolic meaning
By assigning a face or gesture to an object, the artwork becomes a dialogue between the subject and the audience. This technique is especially powerful in portraiture, where the subject’s “inner life” is emphasized through visual cues.
Art Class: Personification Portraits
In many art curricula, teachers introduce Personification Portraits as a creative exercise. Students are asked to choose an everyday object—a mug, a book, a chair—and transform it into a character with a distinct personality.
- Selection: Pick an object that interests you.
- Observation: Study its shape, texture, and
