Egyptian Academy of Arts in Rome Hosts “Egyptian Creations” Exhibition and Lecture on the Royal Body in Ancient Egypt
Tuesday 11/November/2025 - 12:36 PM
The Egyptian Academy of Arts in Rome, headed by Professor Dr. Rania Yehia, held a vibrant artistic and cultural evening that opened with the inauguration of a fine arts exhibition titled “Egyptian Creations.” The exhibition showcased a rich collection of artworks donated to the Academy by Egyptian artists spanning more than seven decades—from the 1950s to the present day—alongside an exceptional display of ceramic works drawn from the Academy’s own collection.
The event reflected the Academy’s mission to promote Egypt’s artistic legacy and strengthen cultural exchange between Egypt and Italy through exhibitions, lectures, and performances that highlight the depth and diversity of Egyptian creativity.
Academic Dialogue: The Sacred Body of the King
Following the exhibition’s opening, guests attended a lecture by Dr. Angelo Colonna, Professor of Egyptology at La Sapienza University in Rome. In his presentation, Dr. Colonna explored the concept of the royal body as a symbol of authority and divinity, tracing its evolution from King Louis XVI of France to the pharaohs of ancient Egypt.
He explained that in pre-revolutionary France, the king’s image was traditionally placed at the visual and symbolic center of the scene. The royal body, regarded as sacred and untouchable, represented not merely the individual but the embodiment of the state and its sovereignty.
By contrast, in ancient Egyptian civilization, the pharaoh’s body was portrayed in art as majestic and dominant, always larger than surrounding figures—an icon of divine power and victory. Such representations, Dr. Colonna noted, were not realistic but ideological, expressing the pharaoh’s divine status as the earthly guardian of Maat, the principle of justice and cosmic order that sustained the universe against chaos.
Through this comparative lens, the lecture illuminated the political and symbolic significance of the royal body across civilizations, emphasizing how sacred imagery reinforced notions of legitimacy and divine authority.
Cultural Dialogue in Celebration of the Grand Egyptian Museum
The lecture sparked lively discussion among attendees and was warmly received by an audience composed of academics, artists, and members of the Egyptian community in Rome. The evening unfolded in a spirit of cultural celebration, coinciding with the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo—a milestone that has renewed global interest in Egypt’s cultural heritage.
At the close of the event, Professor Dr. Rania Yehia, Director of the Academy, presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Dr. Colonna in recognition of his contribution to the “Eight Weeks on Egyptian Civilization” initiative organized by the Academy as part of the wider celebrations marking the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum.
