Portray:
1. to paint or draw the likeness of; as, to portray a king on horseback.
2. hence, figuratively, to describe in words.
3. to adorn with pictures.
4. to decorate.

which definition has the closest meaning to portray as it is used in this sentence?

an unshelled fish is lively and elusive past the power of words to portray, and in this, undoubtedly, lies its desirability.
a) definition 1
b) definition 2
c) definition 3
d) definition 4