The kingdom of Osroene was an ally to the Parthian empire until the early 3^rd century AD: in 214, it was incorporated in the Roman empire. Its capital Edessa was its main artistic centre, and where the local tradition of decorating tombs with mosaics probably had its origins. In addition to them, Edessene funerary portraits were also carved in rock-cut reliefs and free-standing stelai.

The portraits are characterized by the persistent depictions of local iconographic choices and habits, as well as their insertion into contexts that are rooted in Edessene practices. At the same time, they co-exist with mosaics that are indebted to Graeco-Roman visual traditions. In this paper, I will explore the artistic production of Edessa in the second and third centuries, with a focus on the portrait mosaics.