In this activity, you will:

• Compare and contrast two ancient mummy portraits.
• Describe the stylistic choices made by two ancient artists.
• Describe the types of details used in ancient mummy portraits that tell you about the person, and make inferences from those details.

• 30 – 60 mins

• Compare and Contrast Chart—Two Objects (Google Slides). Print, download, or type directly into the chart by making a copy.

Examine Two Mummy Portraits

Look closely at images of two mummy portraits made by different aritsts: Mummy Portrait of Isidora and Mummy Portrait of a Woman.

Record Visual Details

For each portrait, write down what you observe on the Compare and Contrast Chart—Two Objects (Google Slides). Consider the following details:

• Clothing and accessories
• Setting and background
• Pose and body language
• Facial expression
• Colors and lighting
• Objects included in the portrait

Make Inferences

Based on the visual clues, what social class do you think each woman belongs to? What evidence supports your answer?

Put It All Together

Write 1–2 paragraphs that answer these questions:

• How do the two portraits show the women’s social class?
• What do specific details (clothing, setting, objects, etc.) reveal about each woman’s position in society?
• Why do you think portraits like these might have been made for mummies?

Use specific examples from both portraits to support your observations.