Court portraits are formal paintings created to depict members of royal families or nobility. These artworks often showcase the subject in elaborate clothing and settings, emphasizing their status and power. Artists aimed to capture not just the likeness but also the personality and authority of the individual, making these portraits significant historical documents. Typically commissioned for display in palaces or public spaces, court portraits served to reinforce the image of the monarchy or ruling class. Famous examples include works by artists like Diego Velázquez and Hans Holbein, who skillfully portrayed their subjects with attention to detail and symbolism.