Fayum Mummy Portrait 

These Fayum mummy portraits are a collection of encaustic paintings on wood panels, dating from the Roman period. They depict the deceased and were often placed over their faces as a way to preserve their likeness and honor their memory. These lifelike portraits demonstrate the influence of Roman art on the local culture of Egypt, showcasing realism in a traditional funerary context. The portraits are typically painted in encaustic, which uses wax mixed with pigments. This technique was favored for its durability and vibrancy, making it ideal for lasting memorialization. The Fayum mummy portraits, of which this is an example, are a remarkable glimpse into the lives of individuals from a distant era.