A wax death mask is a unique type of death mask, which is a wax or plaster cast of a mold taken from the face of a dead individual. These masks serve as a historical record and sometimes as a memorial.
Understanding the Wax Death Mask
At its core, a wax death mask is created shortly after a person's death. The process involves carefully taking a mold of the deceased's face. This mold is then used to produce a cast, which can be made from materials like plaster or, as the name suggests, wax.
- Purpose: Primarily used to preserve the likeness of the deceased, offering a form of portraiture.
- Authenticity: Death masks are considered true portraits, capturing the exact features of the face at the time of casting.
- Modifications: While they aim for authenticity, changes were occasionally made in the eyes of the mask to make it appear as though the subject were alive. This was likely done to give the mask a more lifelike or serene appearance.
Materials and Process
The creation of a wax death mask typically involves:
- Mold Making: Applying a material, historically often plaster or a similar substance, directly to the face to capture its contours.
- Casting: Pouring molten wax into the dried mold.
- Finishing: Removing the cast from the mold and making any necessary adjustments, such as shaping the eyes.
Wax, compared to plaster, offers certain advantages, such as potentially capturing finer details or being easier to modify after casting.
Significance Through History
Death masks, including those made of wax, have been used across various cultures and time periods. They have served purposes ranging from:
- Commemorating rulers and notable figures.
- Providing a template for sculptures and portraits.
- Offering a tangible link to historical individuals.
Unlike a painted portrait, a death mask provides a direct, physical representation derived from the subject's face itself.
