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Before the advent of photography, people's likenesses were recorded in [[painting]]s or [[sculpture]]s. These could often show inaccuracies, either deliberately because the artist idealised the subject, or inadvertently because of a simple lack of skill. Even if they were accurate, onlookers would have to visit or be shown the work in order to see the likeness. Famously, [[Henry VIII]] of [[England]] married his fourth wife Ann of Cleves having only seen her portrait, and was extremely disappointed when he met her in person!

Before the advent of photography, people's likenesses were recorded in [[painting]]s or [[sculpture]]s. These could often show inaccuracies, either deliberately because the artist idealised the subject, or inadvertently because of a simple lack of skill. Even if they were accurate, onlookers would have to visit or be shown the work in order to see the likeness. Famously, [[Henry VIII]] of [[England]] married his fourth wife Ann of Cleves having only seen her portrait, and was extremely disappointed when he met her in person!

In even earlier times, even portraits were rare. Before the [[Renaissance]], painting techniques were often rudimentary or ineffective (so works did not last) and the techniques of artistic observation had not advanced to produce true likenesses, save in exceptional cases. Notice how representations of [[saint]]s, for example, are stylised so that the saints are often identified from the colors of their robes or by the objects they are carrying rather than their physical features.

In even earlier times, even portraits were rare. Before the [[Renaissance]], painting techniques were often rudimentary or ineffective (so works did not last) and the techniques of artistic observation had not advanced to produce true likenesses, save in exceptional cases. Notice how representations of [[saint]]s, for example, are stylised so that the saints are often identified from the colors of their robes or by the objects they are carrying rather than their physical features.