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Egypt, Greco-Roman period (332 BCE–395 CE), Ptolemaic dynasty (305–30 BCE)–Roman empire (30 BCE–395 / c. 50 BCE–50 CE

Cartonnage Mummy Case

The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Cartonnage Mummy Case as funerary equipment (Egypt, Greco-Roman period (332 BCE–395 CE), Ptolemaic dynasty (305–30 BCE)–Roman empire (30 BCE–395 · c. 50 BCE–50 CE).

WHY IT’S INTERESTING

This coffin is smaller and later in date than the other coffins in this gallery. It is made of cartonnage, which used layers of linen to create a material similar to papier-mâché. The painted portrait head displays the influence of Roman portraiture at this time and incorporates both gilding and glass inlays. Despite the fragile materials, this mummy case survived due to the ve

SERENDIPITYA little unexpected

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A CLOSER LOOK

The museum identifies this funerary equipment as cartonnage, painted and gilded, with glass inlays.

The museum's collection notes: This mummy case is made of cartonnage, a material similar to papier-mâché, but using layers of linen rather than paper. Cartonnage mummy cases such as these are contemporary with funerary portraits painted on wood or linen, although they present a very different appearance. The face, modeled in plaster, is bland and idealized, although the effect of the gilding and glass inlays is quite dazzling. The body is painted with traditional, age-old funerary motifs: the god Osiris, seated and mummiform; the fetish of Abydos, holy city of Osiris, flanked by standing deities (Thoth and Shu); a Horus falcon with outspread wings, and the bark of Sokar. B

FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE

The Cleveland Museum of ArtCartonnage Mummy Case

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