Fayum Portrait of a Young Woman in Red in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, March 2022

Title: Portrait of a young woman in red

Period: Roman Period

Date: A.D. 90–120

Geography: From Egypt

Medium: Encaustic on limewood with gold leaf

Dimensions: H. 38.1 x W. 18.4 cm (15 x 7 1/4 in.)

Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1909

Accession Number: 09.181.6


The background of this portrait was originally gilded, emphasizing the divine status of the deceased young woman. She looks at the viewer with large serious eyes, accentuated by long lashes. A mass of loose curls covers her head, and some strands fall along the back of her neck on the left side. Framed by the black hair, deeply shadowed neck, and dark red tunic, her brightly lit face stands out in appealing youthfulness, an impression that is heightened by the gold wreath and
sparkling jewelry.

For more on the technique used to create this portrait, see 09.181.1.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/547860