Anonymous, Portrait of a Man Wearing a Laurel Wreath, linden wood, pigments, beeswax, textile, gold, and natural resin, unknown origin (Ancient Egypt, Roman Empire, Al Fayyum) ca. 101 CE to 150 CE, Art Institute, Chicago.
This art piece, Portrait of a Man Wearing a Laurel Wreath, is unique in many ways. Both the Roman and Egyptian aspects shine through on this linden board, primarily painted with pigments. It dates back to the early to mid-second century during the Roman Period. This piece combines both the cultures of ancient Rome and Egypt. The portrait of the man belongs to a larger group of similar works, which became known as the “Fayum portraits.” They are named after the area in northern Egypt where numerous pieces out of the set have been discovered. The anonymous artist created the man’s expression and facial features by painting a thin wood piece with pigmented wax, better known as encaustic. This technique did not only provide three-dimensionality but a deterioration and fading factor, symbolizing the dry climates of Egypt. The anonymous artist who created the set of portraits portrayed the wealth and social status of the individual through his jewelry and clothing, while also placing a glorious gold ivy wreath upon the man’s head. Where the piece originated from is unknown, but it is believed that it was created in either Ancient Egypt, the Roman Empire, or Al Fayyum. This work does not only convey the timelessness of the archaic areas of the world, but the beauty that was seen through their eyes.
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