Wednesday 28 November 2012

What You Should Know About Fayum Art

By Ethel Harris


Artworks really play an important role in human life. These artistic creations are made for various purposes. They can be used for self expression. They can also be used for cultural, societal, and religious purposes. They can come in various forms. There would be paintings, sculptures, murals, and other works. They can be found in various places too. Artworks would be greatly influenced by various factors. They can be influenced by traditions, geography, and society. That is why these works can have distinct features. In ancient Egypt, fayum art has blossomed. Learn then more about this distinct artistic work.

These artworks are composed of paintings or portraits made for mummies. These paintings are found predominantly in the Faiyum region of Egypt. That is why they are called as such. These paintings were made during the Coptic period. It is a time when Greeks and Romans occupied Egypt. It would cover 1st century BC to 3rd century CE. They are usually found in tombs. The paintings would show individuals. They are usually from the upper class Egyptians, Romans, or Greeks. The paintings would usually depict young people. It may be because they are painted while they are young, to show youth after death, or during their lifetime.

These paintings have utilized varied materials. The could be painted upon wooden surfaces, boards, and panels. Varied kinds of woods will be utilized. It could include cypress, oak, sycamore, and cedar. They will utilize heated wax for painting. Such hot waxes will be pigmented to generate colors. They will be using other ingredients also like linseed oil, resin, and egg. The paint will be vibrant, versatile, and vivid.

These paintings have been placed on mummies during burials. They would show the face, neck, and upper shoulders. They can depict youth, social status, and wealth. They may be also painted during their lifetime and would be displayed in homes. Today, the many samples of these works were taken from tombs.

Varied painting styles have been used for these paintings. Empausto techniques can be used for this. Hot wax would be used in this technique and higher quality portraits are generated. Vivid colors, rich strokes, and striking contrasts are produced. Tempera techniques may also be used in painting them. Chalky colors, restrained images, and finer contrasts can be used in the technique. The Romans and Greeks influenced the painting styles of these creations.

Such artworks will really reflect huge doses of realism. They will reflect three dimensionality, accurate anatomical proportions, and skilled lighting. It will utilize gradient painting, directional lighting, and shadowing and highlighting. The images will be really lifelike. The realism will be a nice touch of classical arts.

Being buried under the dry, hot, and timeless sands can be a good thing. The dryness have preserved these works really well. They would be good examples of classical, realistic, and Graeco-Roman artworks.

Today, they are found in various famous museums. It can include the Louvre, the British Museum, and NY Metropolitan Museum. They would provide good glimpses of ancient people, culture, and traditions.

Fayum art will really give a nice example of ancient techniques, creativity, and traditions. It is something worth preserving. This is creativity turned history.




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