Fayum portraits are one of the most fascinating artistic expressions of Ancient Egypt due to their uniqueness, innovation, and mastery. Therefore, if you want to make the most of your trip to the country to discover some of the best examples, in this post we explain what they are and where to go to see them in person… although, as we also mention below, many others are outside the country, exhibited in museums around the world.
What are Fayum portraits?
Fayum portraits are artistic representations (usually busts) applied directly onto sarcophagi during the Greco-Roman period, found in many sites across Egypt, but with a high concentration of examples in the Fayum area (Fayoum or Fayun), especially in the Hawara necropolis.
They represent a spectacular evolution of the Egyptian funerary tradition, from both a religious and artistic standpoint. From a religious perspective, because they demonstrate the survival of local burial rituals, still using the cartonnage technique (which reached its peak in the Third Intermediate Period, from the 10th century BC), and with the clear intention of maintaining the deceased’s presence after death. And from an artistic point of view, because they demonstrate the mastery of the painters of this era (mainly between the 1st century BC and the 4th century AD): their level of realism was unparalleled for centuries until, perhaps, the emergence of the Renaissance in Europe.
These portraits employ the encaustic technique (using wax as a binder, which gives a thicker finish) or tempera (using egg as a binder, which is more refined). Above all, they denote a great mastery of depth, space, and proportions, comparable to other contemporary compositions of the Roman world, such as those of Pompeii.
Where to see Fayum portraits in Egypt
As mentioned, despite their name, Fayum portraits were created in many different regions of Ancient Egypt, not just around the oasis of the same name. In fact, the best examples in the country are located in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Among the pieces on display are portraits of children, which are very touching. However, for many, the masterpiece of the collection and perhaps of all preserved portraits is the Tondo of the Two Brothers, a life-size double portrait: the extraordinary realism and beauty of the subjects have given rise to multiple theories about their personal relationship.
Another place to encounter these portraits is the Kom Aushim Museum. Its collection is not as rich as that of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, but its interest lies in its location: it is next to the Fayum oasis, 30 km north of the city, and is one of the leading museums regarding the archaeological remains of Fayum. Therefore, it is a way to discover not only the pieces but also their context.
Where to see the portraits outside of Egypt
Finally, it should be noted that most of the Fayum portraits preserved today (estimated at over 1,000) are located outside of Egypt, as they left the country starting in the late 19th century, during the height of the foreign Egyptology craze. This is why excellent examples can be found in the Louvre Museum in Paris, the National Museum in Athens, the Vatican Museums in Rome, the Metropolitan Museum in New York, or the Pushkin Museum in Moscow… to name just a few.
The good news is that archaeological work continues, and new Fayum portraits are still being discovered in Egypt today. For example, those found in the ancient settlement of Philadelphia will significantly increase the number and variety of these works in the country.
