Fayum art is the famous technique that was applied to mummy portraits during the ancient years. Mostly found in Egypt, this type of wooden panel portrait became really popular in the ancient world and is still highly appreciated among artists and scholars. Their realistic nature as well as vivid colors have made them the subject or broad study in art groups all around the world.
Since its beginnings in Egypt, the title of this style now means a lot more than just a place. It is very much associated with a renowned way and philosophy of painting which has been around since before Christ. Since its origins, it evolved right up to the time of the Byzantine, where it had changed significantly.
In the beginning, the Egyptian people would make use of these boards by covering the mummies in preparation of the burial. After they had been prepared, the painting would be placed on top of the head. This is why each portrait just details the face and nothing below.
Nowadays, most of these portraits have of course been removed from the mummies they were made for. Artists, scientists and scholars have extensively studied them over the years and have separated them in mainly two styles. These are the tempera portraits and the famous wax paintings.
Encaustic portraits would be used for the richer people and these are chiefly the ones that have been preserved the best until today. The high quality of these portraits as well as the great weather conditions in Egypt worked towards maintaining their vivid colors and deliver the paintings to today's scholars almost untouched. Very little faded and their beauty is still as distinctive.
Fayum art is globally admired. The portraits of this style are vivid, exciting and at the same realistic, which is what makes them so different and beautiful. Being the mark of an impressive artistic period, these paintings showcase the great skills of those highly talented ancient Egyptian artists. fayum art
Since its beginnings in Egypt, the title of this style now means a lot more than just a place. It is very much associated with a renowned way and philosophy of painting which has been around since before Christ. Since its origins, it evolved right up to the time of the Byzantine, where it had changed significantly.
In the beginning, the Egyptian people would make use of these boards by covering the mummies in preparation of the burial. After they had been prepared, the painting would be placed on top of the head. This is why each portrait just details the face and nothing below.
Nowadays, most of these portraits have of course been removed from the mummies they were made for. Artists, scientists and scholars have extensively studied them over the years and have separated them in mainly two styles. These are the tempera portraits and the famous wax paintings.
Encaustic portraits would be used for the richer people and these are chiefly the ones that have been preserved the best until today. The high quality of these portraits as well as the great weather conditions in Egypt worked towards maintaining their vivid colors and deliver the paintings to today's scholars almost untouched. Very little faded and their beauty is still as distinctive.
Fayum art is globally admired. The portraits of this style are vivid, exciting and at the same realistic, which is what makes them so different and beautiful. Being the mark of an impressive artistic period, these paintings showcase the great skills of those highly talented ancient Egyptian artists. fayum art
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