By Jacqueline Engel
This painted portrait belonged to a lady from the Fayum region whose life ended between 80 and 100 BCE approximately, as her hairstyle imitates that of the Empress Domitia Longina, wife of the Roman Emperor Domitian.
She is wearing a Greek style outfit, a purple chiton and himation with elegant golden trims.
This portrait was unusually placed within the mummy cartonnage, replacing the plaster mask.
This piece combines three cultural traditions: the Egyptian religious faith in resurrection, the Greek technique of encaustic painting, and the Roman concept of individual portrait.
About Fayum portraits, see also https://laciviltaegizia.org/2021/11/06/i-ritratti-del-fayyum/
Fayum region.
Roman Period, 1st century CE, 80-100 CE
Encaustic wax painting on wood, Cloth
Encaustic painting, also known as hot wax painting, involves using heated beeswax to which colored pigments are added.
The liquid or paste is then applied to a surface—usually prepared wood, though canvas and other materials are often used.
Hurgada Museum
LA CIVILTA' EGIZIA 