Fayum Portraits
The Fayum Portraits are a collection of realistic painted portraits from ancient Egypt, created during the Roman period, around the 1st to 3rd centuries CE. These portraits were typically painted on wooden panels and were used as funerary items, placed over the faces of mummies. They provide valuable insights into the appearance and clothing of people during this time.
These portraits are named after the Fayum Oasis, where many of them were discovered. They showcase a blend of Egyptian and Hellenistic artistic styles, reflecting the cultural interactions of the period. The Fayum Portraits are significant for their detailed representation of individuals, often capturing their unique features and expressions.