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The artworks that are displayed in this presentation are Egyptian portraits that were painted on wood in the 2nd century AD during the period of Roman domination. Commonly known as "Fayum portraits," they were painted during the models' lifetimes and fixed to their mummies when they died, thereby replacing pharaonic funerary masks. Fayum portraits resulted from a combination of Egyptian funerary rituals, the Greek technique of encaustic* painting, and the Roman portrait tradition; they reflect an extraordinary blend of artistic, cultural, and historical features that exert an irresistible appeal on the viewer's imagination and curiosity.
With its unique charm and exceptionally skillful execution, the portrait known as "L'Européenne" is one of the major artworks in the Louvre's collection. The impact of the young woman's presence stems largely from her slightly lowered, strangely melancholic gaze, which seems to avoid that of the viewer. Some 1800 years later, the realism of this portrait still has the power to touch. An experience transcending time and space awaits you at Museum Lab…
* with a wax-based binder |
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