Cairo, October 11 (QNA) – Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathi revealed that, as part of collaborative efforts between Egypt and Italy, restoration work has been completed of the painting “Tondo of the Two Brothers”, one of the most highly admired portraits in Egypt during the Roman era.

The showcasing represents a great example of global partnership in preserving and studying art and culture, in which Egyptian and Italian experts were provided the opportunity to exchange experiences through the restoration journey, the Egyptian Minister stated at a press conference.

The encaustic painting, measuring approximately 62 centimetres in diameter and less than one centimetre thick, stands out for its atypical circular and large size and the placement of two people in the same space.

In a statement by the Ministry, “Tondo of the Two Brothers” is set to depart Egypt for the first time in its history to be showcased in a temporary exhibition titled “The Power of the Portrait: Egypt and Rome, Faces of Fayum” at the Ara Pacis Museum in Rome from November 5, 2026, to May 2, 2027.

Fayum portraits are one of the most personal art pieces from the old world. The artworks were mostly painted on wood and were placed on the deceased covered in mummy wraps, in an embodiment of Egyptian funeral customs and Greek/Roman artistic inspirations. (QNA)