Woman with Necklace 

This encaustic on wood portrait of a “Woman with Necklace” was made during the Roman period in Egypt. The overall design is strikingly symmetrical, with a strong vertical axis that emphasizes the woman’s direct gaze. Notice how the artist uses color to define form. The delicate pink of the face and dress contrasts with the dark hair and jewelry, drawing our attention to the sitter's features. The background, a cool blue-grey, sets off the warm tones of her skin and attire, creating a sense of depth and presence. This use of color and symmetry serves not just to depict the woman but also to idealize her. These portraits, often found attached to mummies, blend Egyptian funerary traditions with Roman artistic styles. The formal rendering and rich materials suggest that the subject was a member of the wealthy elite. The painting thus exists at the intersection of personal identity, cultural exchange, and mortality. The image invites reflection on how we use images to negotiate identity, memory and meaning.