SUSAN WALLIS

encaustics

What Is Encaustic Painting?

Encaustic painting dates as far back as the 5th century BC. The word encaustic is from the Greek word “enkaustikos” meaning “to burn in”. Encaustic painting is the process by which melted wax is mixed in a molten state with oil pigment. The most well known encaustic paintings are the Fayum mummy portraits of Roman Egypt. Together with the frescoes and objects of Pompeii and Herculaneum, these paintings are among the best preserved art from ancient times.

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