An exhibition at the Galleria Estense in Modena reveals for the first time the Este family's passion for ancient Egypt

From November 6, 2024 to May 4, 2025, the Estense Gallery in Modena is hosting the exhibition Reflections of Egypt. Fascinations and Traces in the Este Collections, curated by Maria Chiara Montecchi.

The exhibition reveals for the first time a little-known side of Este collecting: the intense passion for ancient Egypt. The Egyptian collection of the House of Este originated in the 16th century, thanks to the dukes’ curiosity and interest in ancient civilizations and their heritage. It was during this period that the Este nobility, fascinated by the culture and mysteries of ancient Egypt, began collecting Egyptian artifacts, following a widespread trend among the more enlightened European courts. Through more than 150 artifacts, including bronze statuettes, statuettes, amulets and an impressive sarcophagus from the Ptolemaic period, visitors will be taken on a long journey from the Middle Kingdom (2010-1755 B.C.) to the Greco-Roman period, and finally to modern interpretations inspired by Egyptian aesthetics.

This temporal journey, which explores the influences of ancient Egypt and the fascination exerted by its culture on the Este dukes, is enriched by prestigious loans. Among them, a group of works from the Egyptian Museum in Turin, granted on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of its founding, is one of the exhibition’s highlights.

The exhibition offers an opportunity to admire the earliest exhibits that appeared in Alfonso II’s inventory from 1584 and the testamentary bequest of Marquis Tommaso Obizzi, up to the nucleus of 1830, and to appreciate the depth and theevolution of the Este taste for ancient Egypt, emphasizing not only the artistic value of individual objects, but also the cultural and symbolic link between Italy and a millennia-old civilization that exerted a lasting influence on European arts and collecting. There will also be no shortage of imaginative cues from film, opera, comic book and pop culture triggered by the myth of ancient Egypt.

Hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday and holidays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission to the exhibition is included in the cost of the Estense Gallery ticket.

An exhibition at the Galleria Estense in Modena reveals for the first time the Este family's passion for ancient Egypt

Warning: the translation into English of the original Italian article was created using automatic tools. We undertake to review all articles, but we do not guarantee the total absence of inaccuracies in the translation due to the program. You can find the original by clicking on the ITA button. If you find any mistake,please contact us.