Egypt’s Fayoum Portraits to Be Displayed in Rome

Egypt has completed the restoration of the 'Tondo of the Two Brothers,' a second-century painting from the famed Fayoum portrait collection. The work was carried out by Italian experts in collaboration with Egyptian conservators at the Tahrir Museum.

The painting, known for its circular format and depiction of two figures, is considered one of the most lifelike surviving works from Roman-era Egypt. It was created using a technique that blends pigments with molten wax.

Egypt's minister of tourism and antiquities, Sherif Fathy, highlighted the importance of international cooperation in preserving cultural heritage. He noted that the restoration exemplifies the benefits of such collaboration between Egypt and Italy.

The restoration process involved careful handling of the wooden panel, which had suffered termite damage, and the fragile painted surface. The facial features of the right-hand brother were successfully restored during the restoration.

The restored portraits will be part of a temporary exhibition in Rome, organized by MondoMostre. The event will include over 110 artifacts, such as painted panels, funerary shrouds, masks, marble portraits, plaster casts, and ancient jewellery.

The exhibition is scheduled to run from November through May 2027, marking the first time the Fayoum collection will be displayed outside Egypt.