Meaning: a person who is posing for her/his portrait to be photographed, painted, carved, etc.
Deaf Culture and tidbits
Deaf Studies
John Brewster, Jr. (1766-1854) is a Deaf American portrait painter. "Brewster's deafness may also have shaped his mature portrait style, which centers on his emphasis on the face of his sitters, particularly the gaze. He managed to achieve a penetrating grasp of personality in likeness that engages the viewer directly. Brewster combined a muted palette that highlights flesh tones with excellent draftsmanship to draw attention to the eyes of his sitters. The importance of direct eye contact to a deaf person cannot be overstated." -- Wikipedia
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