The portrait of Aline

The portrait of Aline^[5] was painted in tempera on linen, as were those of the two girls. It has a height of 40 cm and a width 32.5 cm. Below the painted cloth, scraps of linen pressed onto the mummy's face were used to provide an even surface, so that the portrait is nearly flat. Some of the portraits were painted before the death of their subject, but in Aline's case, where it is actually painted on the end of the mummy wrapping, it appears to have been produced after death, perhaps based on a previously prepared portrait.^[6] As is common for mummy portraits, the painting produces the impression of three-dimensional depth, a relatively recent feature in Egyptian art and due to Graeco-Roman influences. Frontal depictions of human faces had also been unusual throughout most of the history of Egyptian art. The wavy hairstyle with a central parting is painted simply, but carefully. The small ringlets above the forehead are striking. The face appears full, but not fat. It conveys the impression that this woman, who belonged to the middle or upper levels of Egyptian society, had led a good life. Her simple jewellery is carefully painted. The depiction of the necklace made of gilded plaster, added to the portrait. Aline wears a white tunica or chiton, thin lilac bands (clavus) run across her shoulder. The colours are warm. The sad, wistful gaze is typical of mummy portraits. Altogether, it is a masterful portrait of a middle-aged woman.

Portrait funéraire de la momie d'Aline 24 après J.-C. Empire romain tempera sur toile, 42 cm Hawara (site archéologique en bordure du Fayoum) Site du musée www.neues-museum.de/

 

Greek	English
ΑΛΙΝΗΙ Η ΚΑΙ ΤΈΝΩC ΗΡΩΔΟΥ ΧΡΉC ΤΗ ΧΑΙΡΕ ΠΟΛΛΑ ΕΤΟΥC Ι ΛΕ Λ ΜΕΣΟΡΉ Ζ[2]	Aline also called Tenos daughter of Herodes much loved died in year 10, age 35 years on the 7th of Mesore