Cairo unveils restoration of ancient Fayum portrait

The restoration of the ‘Tondo dei due Fratelli’ (Tondo of the Two Brothers) has been presented in Cairo. This rare masterpiece of ancient painting is a significant example of the Fayum portrait tradition, representing a cultural intersection of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman influences.

Originating from Antinoopolis in Middle Egypt and dating to the mid-2nd century AD, the work is painted on wooden panels using the encaustic technique, which involves mixing pigments with wax. The portrait depicts two young individuals, traditionally identified as brothers, with a high level of detail in their physiognomy, complexion, and clothing.

The restoration was a collaborative effort between restorers from the Egyptian Museum and Italian specialists. The process focused on minimal intervention to respect the object's authenticity while addressing the fragility of the wooden support and the painted surface. The piece will serve as a centerpiece for the exhibition ‘The Power of Portraiture: Egypt and Rome. The Faces of Fayum,’ scheduled to be held at the Ara Pacis Museum from November 5, 2026, to May 2, 2027.