The Representation of Young Males in ‘Fayum Portraits’

Abstract

This article discusses the symbolism used on the mummy portraits of adolescent boys from Roman Egypt. The social implications of these symbols and representational modes are examined, with particular reference to their links with contemporary constructs of puberty, male sexuality and rebirth.

Privatporträt. Die Darstellung realer Personen in der spätantiken und byzantinischen Kunst

“…Borg 2004c, 98, underlines that "Porträts keineswegs neutrale Abschilderungen der Physiognomie ...sind, sondern mindestens z. T. bewusst konstruierte Bilder": contra Lehmann 2010, esp. 183 f. 24 Legras 1993;Montserrat 1993;Montserrat 1996, 51-53;Borg 1996, 115-121. According to Bergmann 2016, 156 "the importance [of the mallokouria] might have been enhanced by the concurrent youth-lock of Egyptian tradition". 25 Ca.…”

“…A comprehensive analysis of the archaeological evidence can lead us to reject the objections of scholars positively proposing that the 'livelihood' the portraits exhibit should be regarded as a proof that they have been painted during the deceased' person's lifetime for a primary domestic function. 26 Montserrat 1993, 217. Artemidoros: Parlasca 1969; Montserrat 1996, 52 (with bibliography); Green 2001, 46 (the mummy carapace varied from 'bright and gilded' cinnabar red, described in a late XIX c. guide, to a dull red color -metacinabrite -probably because of exposure to high light).…”