A Young Woman

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

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The woman in this portrait wears gold, ball-shaped earrings, a golden braided chain and a necklace made up of rectangular emeralds with alternating gold details. Her rich red tunic has a black gold-edged stripe at her right side: this is a clavus, a sign of status in Rome. The artist records her features with accuracy: her large, almond-shaped eyes slant upwards, she has a low forehead, a long thin nose, a plump but small mouth and a small, square chin.

The portrait dates to the first century AD when Egypt was part of the Roman Empire. It was probably commissioned at death and then placed into the case holding her mummified body. This kind of burial rite and portrait image were only possible for the wealthiest citizens. The woman came from a mixed society of Greeks, Romans and Egyptians, which explains her choice of Roman fashion and Egyptian burial custom.

The National Gallery, London

London

Title

A Young Woman

Date

probably 2nd C–3rd C

Medium

Probably encaustic on wood

Measurements

H 42 x W 22 cm

Accession number

NG3931

Acquisition method

Mond Bequest, 1924

Work type

Painting

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The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

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