Rome:An exhibition showcasing ancient Egyptian mummy portraits, known as the "Faces of Fayum," is set to open in Rome. These 2,000-year-old portraits, painted on thin wooden panels, originated after Egypt became part of the Roman Empire and are lauded for their realistic depiction of individuals.
According to Sharjah 24, the exhibition titled "Egypt and Rome, the Faces of Fayum," will be held at Rome's Ara Pacis museum. It features a significant collaboration between Italy and Egypt, displaying not only the mummy portraits but also mummies, masks, shrouds, jewellery, marble busts, and statuary. Some artefacts are being exhibited outside of Egypt for the first time, such as the "Tondo of the Two Brothers" from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
Claudio Parisi Presicce, Rome's top cultural heritage official, described the works as masterpieces, highlighting their naturalistic painting style. The portraits, rooted in Hellenistic painting traditions, were used to cover the faces of mummies and reflect a blend of Egyptian and Roman cultural elements. The exhibition also includes pieces from international institutions like the Louvre and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, illustrating the global interest and significance of these artefacts.
The exhibition aims to explore and answer questions about the portraits' origins and uses, with some theories suggesting they might have been displayed in homes prior to being used in burial rituals. Hisham El-Leithy from Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities emphasized the enduring emotional impact of these portraits, noting their ability to connect viewers with the past. The exhibition will be open until May 2.