Elderly Man Flanked by Egyptian Gods
Tempera portraits are matte and lack the relief effect created by encaustic paints. The tempera technique has long roots in Egyptian tradition. Because the medium does not cover well, wood panels were usually covered first with white gesso to enhance the colors. Because colors dry quickly and do not blend as encaustic does, tones were achieved by overpainting thin layers of color. Judging from its thickness and the five holes, this panel was tied onto a mummy or coffin rather than inserted within the wrappings.
Artwork Details
- Title: Elderly Man Flanked by Egyptian Gods
- Period: Roman Period
- Date: ca. 250 CE
- Geography: From Egypt
- Medium: Tempera on sycomore wood
- Dimensions: H. 38 cm. (14 15/16 in.); W. 22.4 cm (8 13/16 in.)
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1944
- Object Number: 44.2.2
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
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