This video explores the history and methods of encaustic painting, an ancient technique using hot wax mixed with pigments. Learn about the encaustic technique by examining a nearly 2,000-year-old Fayum mummy portrait from Roman Egypt, which intertwines Egyptian, Ancient Greek, and Roman art. We explore how artists crafted these lasting artworks, perfect for anyone interested in painting with wax and encaustic basics. The video also looks at examples from the Eastern Roman "Byzantine" Empire and modern artists like Jasper Johns.

Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank

CHAPTERS

0:00 Encaustic painting and Fayum mummy portraits

0:38 Applying encaustic and textured painting

1:07 A portrait from Roman Egypt

2:11 Encaustic painting in other traditions

Learn more

Check out our entire glossary of art history: https://www.artsq.org/about-key-terms-ideas-art-history