Art seems to be an integral part of human existence, as essential to life as breathing and eating. From drawings made by cavemen to frescoes painted by Greeks, this pervasive aspect of culture can be found in virtually any stage of history. Fayum art is particularly popular with historians because of its looks and the wealth of information that can be gleaned from it.
This kind of art dates back to the Coptic period, when Egypt was a vassal state of Rome. It was characterized by very naturalistic paintings which were done on panels, then attached to boards, and fixed on mummies. While the paintings have been found all over Egypt, most pieces have been recovered from the famous Faiyum Basin, a natural feature that has lent its name to the art form.
The rich, highly detailed images showed not just the dead person's facial features, but sometimes extended to part of the torso too. Archaeologists posit that the images were not true representations of the deceased's face, as some elements in the paintings are unusually similar, but a more idealized version of the dead individual.
In order to achieve the detailed, near three dimensional effect, artists relied on two techniques; tempera, or encaustic. The latter involved the use of a mixture made up of hot beeswax mixed with finely powdered paints; ingredients like dammar resin and linseed oil would sometimes be added. This would then be poured on a prepared substrate, usually wood. Some operators would then work on the material while it was still hot, while others waited for it to cool, then used specialized pieces of equipment to achieve their intended ends.
The other technique was the use of tempera. While durable, paintings done using this method were not as high quality as those made with wax. This method involved the use of a colored pigment mixed with a water soluble binder, usually egg yolk. This is one reason why this technique is sometimes termed as egg tempera. The use of this method declined when oil paints were discovered.
Archaeologists have so far found about nine hundred of these beautiful paintings. Because Egyptian weather is hot and dry, most pieces look almost as good as they did when they were first painted. The art form reflects Roman and Greek traditions, rather than Egyptian ones, and for good reason; the two. Groups formed wealthy elite, having occupied and ruled Egypt for some time.
Archaeologists have also discovered something else in regard to these paintings; they all depict people at a relatively young age. A considerable number show children, some of whom are very young. Historians speculate that most people died young, reflecting a general trend of short lifespans in the ancient world.
From the beginning of the third century, the art form began to fade; the latest piece discovered is dated to the middle of that century. Archaeologists have attributed this to several things, but a decline in traditional religions seems to be the biggest culprit. Granting of Roman citizenship to virtually all Egyptians, and a severe economic crisis all served to hasten the end of fayum art.
This kind of art dates back to the Coptic period, when Egypt was a vassal state of Rome. It was characterized by very naturalistic paintings which were done on panels, then attached to boards, and fixed on mummies. While the paintings have been found all over Egypt, most pieces have been recovered from the famous Faiyum Basin, a natural feature that has lent its name to the art form.
The rich, highly detailed images showed not just the dead person's facial features, but sometimes extended to part of the torso too. Archaeologists posit that the images were not true representations of the deceased's face, as some elements in the paintings are unusually similar, but a more idealized version of the dead individual.
In order to achieve the detailed, near three dimensional effect, artists relied on two techniques; tempera, or encaustic. The latter involved the use of a mixture made up of hot beeswax mixed with finely powdered paints; ingredients like dammar resin and linseed oil would sometimes be added. This would then be poured on a prepared substrate, usually wood. Some operators would then work on the material while it was still hot, while others waited for it to cool, then used specialized pieces of equipment to achieve their intended ends.
The other technique was the use of tempera. While durable, paintings done using this method were not as high quality as those made with wax. This method involved the use of a colored pigment mixed with a water soluble binder, usually egg yolk. This is one reason why this technique is sometimes termed as egg tempera. The use of this method declined when oil paints were discovered.
Archaeologists have so far found about nine hundred of these beautiful paintings. Because Egyptian weather is hot and dry, most pieces look almost as good as they did when they were first painted. The art form reflects Roman and Greek traditions, rather than Egyptian ones, and for good reason; the two. Groups formed wealthy elite, having occupied and ruled Egypt for some time.
Archaeologists have also discovered something else in regard to these paintings; they all depict people at a relatively young age. A considerable number show children, some of whom are very young. Historians speculate that most people died young, reflecting a general trend of short lifespans in the ancient world.
From the beginning of the third century, the art form began to fade; the latest piece discovered is dated to the middle of that century. Archaeologists have attributed this to several things, but a decline in traditional religions seems to be the biggest culprit. Granting of Roman citizenship to virtually all Egyptians, and a severe economic crisis all served to hasten the end of fayum art.
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