Fayum Portrait
A style of realistic portrait painting from Roman Egypt, usually on mummies.
What is it?
Fayum portraits are paintings on wooden panels that were attached to mummies. They are named after the Fayum region in Egypt where many were found. The portraits are very realistic, with careful attention to the person's face, hair, and clothing. The boy's portrait you saw is a Fayum portrait. The artist used tempera or encaustic paint to create a lifelike image.
Why it matters
Fayum portraits are some of the best-preserved paintings from the ancient world. They show us how people in Roman Egypt looked and what they wore. They also show a mix of Egyptian and Roman art styles.
Where you've seen it
This list grows as you capture more Fayum portraits.