In "The Virgin in the Garden," A.S. Byatt explores the concepts of national and portrait identities, emphasizing their significance in understanding both culture and individual identity. The notion of national identity encompasses aspects such as place, language, and history, which together form the foundation of a cultural narrative.

By examining the individual, Byatt highlights how each person's identity can be portrayed through artistic representation, showcasing the interplay between collective cultural identity and personal experiences. This dual focus on both the broader culture and the individual enhances the reader's understanding of identity in its many forms.