Fayum Mummy Portrait 

This Fayum Mummy Portrait, created between 50 and 250 AD, is a striking example of ancient Roman portraiture. The painting, currently housed in the British Museum, depicts a young man with a serious expression, likely intended to preserve his likeness for eternity. These portraits were often painted on wood panels and placed over the faces of mummies, serving as a visual representation of the deceased for their loved ones. The realistic depiction and use of encaustic (wax-based) paint in the portrait highlight the artistry of the Fayum school, renowned for their lifelike representations of individuals from Roman Egypt.