Egypt and Italy Successfully Restore the Ancient Fayoum 'Portrait of the Two Brothers'

Egypt has completed the restoration of the “Portrait of the Two Brothers,” a renowned ancient Fayoum portrait, through a successful collaboration with Italy aimed at preserving the nation's rich cultural heritage. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy announced the project's completion during a press conference on Sunday, October 11, 2026, hosted at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo in Tahrir Square.

During the event, Minister Sherif Fathy highlighted the enduring partnership between Egypt and Italy in restoring Fayoum portraits, emphasizing Egypt's dedication to sharing its diverse historical civilization with the global community. He noted that the exhibition currently features 24 portraits and 16 artifacts of immense historical value, representing eras extending far beyond Pharaonic times.

Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) Hisham el-Leithy noted that the Egyptian Museum in Cairo in Tahrir Square is celebrating its 124th anniversary, with extensive preparations already underway for its 125th anniversary next year. Describing the 2,000-year-old circular painting, Hisham el-Leithy explained that the artifact was discovered split in two with faded colors before undergoing meticulous restoration by joint Egyptian and Italian experts. He emphasized that the primary goal of the restoration was preservation rather than mere beautification, announcing that the piece will be exhibited in Italy next May.

Italian ambassador to Egypt Agostino Palese shared his enthusiasm during his visit to the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, praising the robust archaeological partnership between the two nations and expressing optimism for future collaborations to protect shared human heritage.