The Mummy of Herakleides is a Romano-Egyptian red-shroud portrait mummy dating to the 2nd century AD.[1][2] It is a rare example of a mummy portrait found complete with its painted panels.[3] It is currently on display at the Getty Villa.[1]
Mummy of Herakleides | |
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Height | 179.8 cm |
Width | 45 cm |
Depth | 32.5 cm |
Created | 120-140 AD |
Present location | Getty Villa |
Culture | Romano-Egyptian |
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e2/Mummy_of_Herakleides%2C_portrait_-_Getty_Museum_%2891.AP.6%29.jpg/220px-Mummy_of_Herakleides%2C_portrait_-_Getty_Museum_%2891.AP.6%29.jpg)
Herakleides
A study of his bones and teeth determined that Herakleides was about 18-20 years old at the time of his death, which was around 120-140 AD. The quality of his portrait and materials used indicate that he was of high social status.[3]
Details
The shroud of the mummy was painted red and then with a number of motifs, including an ibis at the abdomen.[2] A CAT scan revealed that underneath the painted ibis, a mummified ibis was placed, which is unusual in Egyptian human mummification. This may indicate Herakleides had a connection to the god Thoth, and was a priest or scribe.[4]
Herakleides' name is inscribed in Greek above his feet. Translated, it reads "Herakleides, son of Thermos."[4]
References
- ^ a b "Mummy of Herakleides". The J. Paul Getty Museum Collection. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
- ^ a b Corcoran, Lorelei H; Svoboda, Marie (1 Feb 2011). Herakleides: A Portrait Mummy from Roman Egypt. J. Paul Getty Museum. ISBN 978-1606060360.
- ^ a b Cole, Sara E; Svoboda, Marie; Rebbani, Yousra (1 July 2021). "Meet the Portrait Mummy of Herakleides". Getty. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
- ^ a b "Investigating Herakleides: A Portrait Mummy from Roman Egypt". Google Arts & Culture. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
External links
- Investigating Herakleides: A Portrait Mummy from Roman Egypt. Google Arts and Culture.
- Getting to Know Herakleides: Exploring a Red-Shroud Mummy from Roman Egypt (lecture). Getty Museum, YouTube.
- The Mummification Process. Getty Museum, YouTube.
Further reading
- Svoboda, Marie; Walton, Marc (Jan 2020). Material investigations of the J. Paul Getty Museum’s red-shroud mummy.