It is the first of only two studio albums to be recorded with his famous trio featuring bassist Scott LaFaro and drummer Paul Motian.

Most notably, LaFaro's bass is promoted from a mere accompanying instrument to one of almost equal status to the piano, although not to the extent that it would be on later albums such as Sunday at the Village Vanguard.

"[1] Motian had recorded previously with Evans on his debut album, New Jazz Conceptions, as well as in groups led by Tony Scott, George Russell, and others.

"[6] It has gone on to be covered several dozens times, including by important jazz artists such as Fred Hersch (1990) and Chick Corea (2011).

Reviewing the album for AllMusic, critic Scott Yanow wrote, "the influential interpretations were far from routine or predictable at the time.

"[11] Evans biographer Peter Pettinger says that "the plateau attained on Portrait was high indeed, its fresh vistas possessed of a new subtlety in the execution.

"[17] Shadwick refers to the album as establishing "the blueprint for every subsequent working trio that Evans would run.