Art Quote by Charles Dickens
“There are only two styles of portrait painting; the serious and the smirk.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Pickwick Papers, 1836
Portraits can be rendered in only two ways: solemn or with a hint of mischief.
In simple terms: Portraits are either serious or playful.
Key Takeaway
Choose a style that matches the subject’s character.
Themes
art
humor
character
observation
Mood
witty
observational
Type
literary
artistic
When to use this quote
- portrait commissions
- gallery displays
- self‑portrait creation
- art education
Key Concepts
binary contrast
artistic expression
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you prefer seriousness or a smirk in your own self‑image?
- How does humor affect the impact of a portrait?
A Different Perspective
Some artists see more nuance than just two styles.
