Artwork Page for Funerary Portrait of a Woman

Details / Information for Funerary Portrait of a Woman

Funerary Portrait of a Woman

c. 138–92 CE
This object has related works. See

Egypt, Roman Empire, Antonine

Medium
encaustic on linen
Measurements
Overall: 26 x 19 cm (10 1/4 x 7 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1971.136
Public Domain
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Location
107 Egyptian
Print

Description

So-called mummy portraits were apparently painted during the owners' lives and hung in their homes. At the time of the owner's death, the portrait was taken down, cut from its frame, and trimmed to fit the deceased's mummy, to which it was bound. It was at that time also that the gilding on the center painting was added.
A roughly rectangular portrait in encaustic, pigment mixed with beeswax, on linen depicts the head of a woman with medium-light skin tone, turning slightly to her left to look at us. She has brown eyes, a defined, arched brow, and full black hair pulled up. It enwraps the tops of her ears, earrings like two stacked pearls hanging below. The portrait's edges have been cut somewhat roughly, particularly on the lower edge, and fray slightly.

Funerary Portrait of a Woman

c. 138–92 CE

Egypt, Roman Empire, Antonine

See Also

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