On loan to The Met The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Encaustic portrait of a man
Roman Period
Painters of panel portraits employed a wide range of styles. In this example, the artist shaped the individual’s face and features using fine brushstrokes. The hair and eyes were, as usual, painted with somber colors enlivened by white highlights, but a strong vein of color in reddish hues, from rose to crimson, was employed to create rich undertones in the flesh.
It has been pointed out that, with his thick curls, triangular face, and pointed beard, this individual bears a close resemblance to one of the portrait types associated with the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius. His regnal years thus serve to date this panel.
This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.
