Fayum art originates mainly from the Faiyum Basin in Egypt. The term describes art which are portraits painted on wooden boards. These were included with the mummies from the Coptic period. The art works comprise portraits of a deceased person showing just the head and shoulders. They were either placed under or above the linen shroud or over the face of the mummy.
A lack of moisture and excessive heat allowed the mummies to last undamaged for centuries. This is also true of the paintings. They were created for the rich and noble deceased citizens of ancient Egypt and buried with the mummies after their death.
Two techniques were employed to create this method called encaustic and tempera. Wax was used for the encaustic method and an egg based paint in the tempera technique. This form of creating masterpieces was learned from the ancient Greeks. The wax method produced portraits of a slightly superior quality.
Painters were admired in Ancient Egypt. They were considered to be master craftsmen. One of these artists would be hired by a family to do a painting, depicting the face and bust of a family member. Once finished, the portrait found a place of honor in the home until the person died.
The artists painted the portraits on smooth wooden boards. They paid attention to the finest detail in order to create the most lifelike image possible. After the subject had passed on the portrait displaying his or her face would be wrapped up with the mummy.
Fayum art is a truly magnificent final gift to a departed loved one. It is still highly regarded in art circles. Many have found a place in the great museums of the world. Read more about: fayum art
A lack of moisture and excessive heat allowed the mummies to last undamaged for centuries. This is also true of the paintings. They were created for the rich and noble deceased citizens of ancient Egypt and buried with the mummies after their death.
Two techniques were employed to create this method called encaustic and tempera. Wax was used for the encaustic method and an egg based paint in the tempera technique. This form of creating masterpieces was learned from the ancient Greeks. The wax method produced portraits of a slightly superior quality.
Painters were admired in Ancient Egypt. They were considered to be master craftsmen. One of these artists would be hired by a family to do a painting, depicting the face and bust of a family member. Once finished, the portrait found a place of honor in the home until the person died.
The artists painted the portraits on smooth wooden boards. They paid attention to the finest detail in order to create the most lifelike image possible. After the subject had passed on the portrait displaying his or her face would be wrapped up with the mummy.
Fayum art is a truly magnificent final gift to a departed loved one. It is still highly regarded in art circles. Many have found a place in the great museums of the world. Read more about: fayum art
