Fayum art is a modern term given to realistic portraits which were painted on wooden boards. These dated from the Roman period. They were found by archaeologists in tombs throughout Egypt but particularly in the Fayum basin. Panel painting was a highly respected art form in the classical world and these portraits are among the best surviving from those times.
The people portrayed were from the upper classes as not all the mummies found had portraits. It was probably only the rich, influential people who could afford one and therefore it is leaders in the government, military and church and the wealthy who are depicted. The portraits also reflect Greek tradition rather than Egyptian, showing the influence of the Greeks who settled in Egypt after it was conquered by Alexander the Great.
These portraits serve to showcase the skill of ancient artists. Analyses have shown that specific facial proportions for each person were not used. The painters seem to have worked from a number of standard types, adding different hairstyles and beards. This does not take away from the impact of these works.
The boards these portraits on were made of hard woods such as ceder or cyprus. Panels were cut into rectangles and then prepared with a primer. The primer was necessary in order for the colors to appear as vivid as possible and not sink into the wood.
The paint used was made up of pigments and a binder mixed with them. The earliest technique for portraits was a combination of the pigments and wax (encaustic). This technique produced paintings which seemed like oil paintings, even though oil paint had not yet been discovered. The colors produced were very vivid and superior to the tempera method which came later. Tempera was cheaper and quicker to apply but colors were not as intense. Pigments were mixed with an egg base rather than wax.
Most of the paintings portray the deceased in their youth, showing only the head and sometimes the shoulders. The background was monochrome and the person would usually be looking slightly to the left which added some depth. The images are very life-like, appearing almost three-dimensional.
The portraits were set into the wrapping around the mummified bodies, covering the faces of the deceased. It was thought that these portraits may have been painted earlier in the life of the person. The fact that some were painted directly onto the wrappings seems to discredit this theory.
These pieces are found in many museums today where their realism can be admired. The intense colors and realistic nature give them impact. The colors were probably so well preserved due to the climate of Egypt which is hot and dry.
With the admiration of the fayum art form, has come the inspiration to recreate it. Of course the best modern materials are used for this process, which involves transferring an image onto a wooden panel which has been specially prepared. Once the image has been transferred, the real work starts with artists using various materials and utensils to create the desired effect.
The people portrayed were from the upper classes as not all the mummies found had portraits. It was probably only the rich, influential people who could afford one and therefore it is leaders in the government, military and church and the wealthy who are depicted. The portraits also reflect Greek tradition rather than Egyptian, showing the influence of the Greeks who settled in Egypt after it was conquered by Alexander the Great.
These portraits serve to showcase the skill of ancient artists. Analyses have shown that specific facial proportions for each person were not used. The painters seem to have worked from a number of standard types, adding different hairstyles and beards. This does not take away from the impact of these works.
The boards these portraits on were made of hard woods such as ceder or cyprus. Panels were cut into rectangles and then prepared with a primer. The primer was necessary in order for the colors to appear as vivid as possible and not sink into the wood.
The paint used was made up of pigments and a binder mixed with them. The earliest technique for portraits was a combination of the pigments and wax (encaustic). This technique produced paintings which seemed like oil paintings, even though oil paint had not yet been discovered. The colors produced were very vivid and superior to the tempera method which came later. Tempera was cheaper and quicker to apply but colors were not as intense. Pigments were mixed with an egg base rather than wax.
Most of the paintings portray the deceased in their youth, showing only the head and sometimes the shoulders. The background was monochrome and the person would usually be looking slightly to the left which added some depth. The images are very life-like, appearing almost three-dimensional.
The portraits were set into the wrapping around the mummified bodies, covering the faces of the deceased. It was thought that these portraits may have been painted earlier in the life of the person. The fact that some were painted directly onto the wrappings seems to discredit this theory.
These pieces are found in many museums today where their realism can be admired. The intense colors and realistic nature give them impact. The colors were probably so well preserved due to the climate of Egypt which is hot and dry.
With the admiration of the fayum art form, has come the inspiration to recreate it. Of course the best modern materials are used for this process, which involves transferring an image onto a wooden panel which has been specially prepared. Once the image has been transferred, the real work starts with artists using various materials and utensils to create the desired effect.
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