site.btaSofia Exhibition Presents Ancient Goldsmith Techniques

An exhibition of jewelry by Angelo Krassini presenting ancient goldsmithing techniques titled "Reborn" will be presented at the Arte Gallery from May 11 to May 26, the gallery said.

"The title of this exhibition alone does not immediately reveal the connection between rebirth and the creation of small art forms - jewelry.  But there is a provocation and it is revealed only when it is added that these are objects painstakingly depicted in the Faiyum portraits - from the 1st century to the 3rd century. Ancient painted portraits were discovered in the desert of Egypt around the oasis of Faiyum. They represent the evolution of traditions in Ancient Egyptian art under the influence of Hellenistic painting. But beyond the form, the portraits themselves are the fruit of man's innermost desire to conquer death," the organizers said.

"Crafted artfully with a technique called encaustic (wax with pigments applied, which are melted onto a board), they were placed on mummies in the hope of rebirth. And since in the previous exhibition, "Shared Treasures", I tried to make painting jewels, the idea to borrow the jewelry from the wonderful Faiyum portraits and revive them them with this transfer came quite naturally. In the exhibits, I have tried to show the images of their owners through the original technique and boards over 200 years old. The women of the Faiyum portraits are also among us - look around, sooner or later you will find them. Something meaningful and beautiful can be taken from the past and be with us," says Angelo Krassini.