Egypt has completed the restoration of the "Portrait of the Two Brothers," a 2,000-year-old Fayoum portrait, in cooperation with Italy. The project was announced by Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy at a press conference held on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo's Tahrir Square. This cooperation is part of Egypt's efforts to preserve its cultural heritage.
The Minister emphasized that Egyptian-Italian cooperation in restoring Fayoum portraits is longstanding. Egypt is committed to making its heritage accessible to the world, showcasing the richness and diversity of Egyptian civilization across different historical periods. The current exhibition features 24 portraits and 16 artefacts of significant historical and archaeological value.
Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Hisham el-Leithy, noted that the Egyptian Museum in Cairo's Tahrir Square was marking its 124th anniversary. Preparations are underway for a major celebration next year to mark its 125th anniversary, including a rehabilitation project to reflect the museum's historical significance.
The "Portrait of the Two Brothers" is a circular painting, measuring 60 centimeters in diameter, created by an unknown artist in the Fayoum region around 2,000 years ago. The portrait was found split into two parts, with faded colors, and required meticulous restoration. Egyptian and Italian experts carried out the project in the museum's laboratories and restoration center.
According to Leithy, restoration is not merely intended to improve an artefact's appearance, but to preserve it for future generations. He stressed that cooperation between Egypt and Italy is a clear message to the world about the importance of international partnerships in protecting humanity's shared heritage.
The "Portrait of the Two Brothers" will be displayed in Italy next May as part of a collection of Fayoum portraits. These portraits represent an important stage in art history because they depicted people realistically rather than solely as symbols. Egypt remains committed to protecting cultural heritage and making it accessible to international audiences.
Italian ambassador to Egypt, Agostino Palese, expressed his pleasure at visiting the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square and praised the longstanding cooperation between Egypt and Italy in archaeology. He noted that the two countries have promising opportunities to expand archaeological cooperation, contributing to efforts to preserve cultural heritage and highlight its historical significance.
Key points
- The restoration of the "Portrait of the Two Brothers" was a collaborative effort between Egyptian and Italian experts.
- The portrait will be displayed in Italy next May as part of a collection of Fayoum portraits.
- Egypt and Italy have a longstanding cooperation in archaeology and preservation of cultural heritage.
