Technical study of an Egyptian Mummy Portrait in the Carlos Museum

This portrait of a young man was previously described as a “heavily restored pastiche” of “dubious authenticity.” Technical investigation reveals evidence of its ancient materials and its modern recreation. This study combines stylistic and iconographic evaluation with materials analysis and multispectral imaging to map the many fragments within this portrait and clarify their associations. This study reappraises the Carlos portrait to consider its place in the repertoire of 2nd century CE mummy portraits.