Fayum mummy portraits. These very individual portraits arose in the multi-cultural, multi-ethnic society of Roman Egypt. Most are painted in an elaborate encaustic technique [pigments were mixed into beeswax, along with egg, resin, and/or linseed oil]. This versatile medium allowed artists to create images that are akin to oil paintings. The painting techique is Greek, but their use is entirely Egyptian: the portrait panel was placed over the face of the mummy, with a wrap to hold it in…
