enkaustikos

Enkaustikos, from the Greek enkaustikos meaning “burned in” or “burning in,” is a painting method that uses heated wax mixed with pigment, typically beeswax and resin. The term describes both the ancient Greco-Roman practice and the contemporary art technique.

In ancient times, encaustic painting was widely used on wooden panels and in Fayum mummy portraits in Egypt. The artist would heat a wax medium and apply pigment while hot, building up color in layers and fusing each layer with heat to create a durable surface. Common materials included beeswax, damar resin, and mineral pigments; supports were typically wood panels or prepared plaster in wall applications. The wax’s translucence and its ability to fuse layers allowed complex luminosity and depth.

In technique, the wax is melted, pigments dispersed, and brushed or troweled onto a warm surface; subsequent layers are fused with a flame or hot tool. Artists may incise or carve the surface for texture and use various heat applications to achieve glaze-like effects. The process allows simultaneous manipulation of color, texture, and light.

In the modern era, encaustic has experienced a revival among artists since the 20th century. It is valued for color depth, durability, and the capacity to build up rich, resilient surfaces. It is commonly used on canvas or wooden panels and employed in contemporary mixed-media works. Safety concerns include heated wax fumes and fire risks, requiring proper ventilation and careful handling of hot equipment.