Mehiläisvahamaalaukset

Mehiläisvahamaalaukset, also known as encaustic painting, is an ancient art technique that utilizes heated beeswax as a medium. In this process, heated beeswax is mixed with pigment to create a paint that is then applied to a surface. The wax can be manipulated with brushes, palette knives, or other tools, and can be heated and reworked multiple times. This technique allows for a unique range of textures, from smooth and translucent to thick and impasto.

The origins of encaustic painting can be traced back to ancient Egypt, with some of the most famous examples being the Fayum mummy portraits, dating from the Roman period. These portraits, painted on wooden panels, are remarkable for their vibrant colors and lifelike qualities, which have been preserved for centuries due to the nature of the beeswax. The technique was also practiced by the ancient Greeks and Romans.

After its peak in antiquity, encaustic painting saw a decline in popularity for many centuries, partly due to the technical challenges involved in handling heated wax. However, the technique experienced a resurgence in the late 19th and 20th centuries, with artists drawn to its luminosity, durability, and unique textural possibilities. Modern encaustic artists often use electric tools and specialized heating equipment to manage the medium. The process can involve layering, fusing (melting one layer onto another), scraping, and incising, offering a versatile approach to image-making. The final surface can be buffed to a high sheen or left with a matte finish.