Fayum art is a term used to refer to portraits that were found in mummy burials. Numerous such portraits were found in Egypt in a place known as Faiyum so that the name was later on used to refer to this particular style. These pieces were made during the time when Romans reigned in Egypt and are regarded to be good examples of panel painting.
Few Greeks first lived alongside with the Egyptians but with intermarriage and the presence of more Romans, their cultures soon became enmeshed. These resulted into new customs, and an early form of portraiture. The pieces are remaining examples of how the Romans and the Egyptians combined their beliefs.
These portraits were placed on the faces of the mummies. They are one of the few remaining examples of the influence of Romans on the Egyptian culture. Their preservation is largely due to the climate they were exposed to. The temperature helped in keeping the paintings in good condition.
You can see the Roman influence in the appearance of the images. The portraits were painted in the style used by the Greeks. If one examines the subjects closely, one will observe that they are dressed fashionably in the style of the Romans. The practice of placing them with the mummies is reminiscent of beliefs in the afterlife, an Egyptian influence.
The subjects are many and varied. Both women and men were depicted. The ages of the subjects ranged from children to young adults. Wood panels were often the medium of choice for the artists. There are however instances when the linen itself or the shroud was sometimes used. To produce the desired portrait, two techniques were often used.
One common technique that was used is known as the encaustic technique. This is a method that involves the use of wax and pigments. Without the presence of oil, the portraits did not yellow. Later on, egg tempera was used to produce these portraits. With this technique, egg yolk was mixed with the pigments to produce a particular color.
Their value lies in the fact that they are one of the surviving works from antiquity. They provide clues on how these people looked and how they dressed. They are generally thought to be items of great value since only individuals belonging to the upper class could afford them. Experts theorize that this paintings were created after death.
Today, there are less than a thousand pieces left in existence. Most of these are displayed in exhibits in museums. Often enough, there is little information provided with each piece because most were not properly excavated from their sites. The portraits are images of both men and women, as well as children.
Alongside the many Egyptian artifacts that have engage the interest of the public for a long time, fayum art was all too often ignored. Their value however cannot be denied as they are antiquities that represent the combination of two great civilizations. The subjects are portrayed in a realistic light so that the end product can be striking even to the modern viewer. These portraits provide a glimpse into ancient times.
Few Greeks first lived alongside with the Egyptians but with intermarriage and the presence of more Romans, their cultures soon became enmeshed. These resulted into new customs, and an early form of portraiture. The pieces are remaining examples of how the Romans and the Egyptians combined their beliefs.
These portraits were placed on the faces of the mummies. They are one of the few remaining examples of the influence of Romans on the Egyptian culture. Their preservation is largely due to the climate they were exposed to. The temperature helped in keeping the paintings in good condition.
You can see the Roman influence in the appearance of the images. The portraits were painted in the style used by the Greeks. If one examines the subjects closely, one will observe that they are dressed fashionably in the style of the Romans. The practice of placing them with the mummies is reminiscent of beliefs in the afterlife, an Egyptian influence.
The subjects are many and varied. Both women and men were depicted. The ages of the subjects ranged from children to young adults. Wood panels were often the medium of choice for the artists. There are however instances when the linen itself or the shroud was sometimes used. To produce the desired portrait, two techniques were often used.
One common technique that was used is known as the encaustic technique. This is a method that involves the use of wax and pigments. Without the presence of oil, the portraits did not yellow. Later on, egg tempera was used to produce these portraits. With this technique, egg yolk was mixed with the pigments to produce a particular color.
Their value lies in the fact that they are one of the surviving works from antiquity. They provide clues on how these people looked and how they dressed. They are generally thought to be items of great value since only individuals belonging to the upper class could afford them. Experts theorize that this paintings were created after death.
Today, there are less than a thousand pieces left in existence. Most of these are displayed in exhibits in museums. Often enough, there is little information provided with each piece because most were not properly excavated from their sites. The portraits are images of both men and women, as well as children.
Alongside the many Egyptian artifacts that have engage the interest of the public for a long time, fayum art was all too often ignored. Their value however cannot be denied as they are antiquities that represent the combination of two great civilizations. The subjects are portrayed in a realistic light so that the end product can be striking even to the modern viewer. These portraits provide a glimpse into ancient times.
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