A groundbreaking study using portable chemical imaging has revealed hidden changes in ancient Egyptian paintings, hinting at deeper historical and symbolic meanings in these artworks. A recent study published in the open-access journal PLOSONE by Philippe Martinez of the Sorbonne University in France and colleagues at the University of Liège in Belgium shows that portable chemical imaging technology can reveal hidden details in ancient Egyptian paintings.

Portrait of Ramses II in the tomb of Nachtamun, master of the altar in the Temple of Ramses (Tomb TT341, probably 20th Dynasty, about 1100 BC). Image credit: Martinez et al., CC-BY4.0

Ancient Egyptian painting is generally considered to be the result of a highly formalized work process that produced skilled works of art. However, most studies of these paintings and their creation have been conducted in museums or laboratories. In this study, Martinez and colleagues used portable devices to chemically image the original background of the paintings to analyze paint composition and layering and identify changes made to ancient paintings.

MA-XRF study of Ramses II paintings. Image source: Martinez et al., 2023, PLOSONE, CC-BY4.0

Archaeologists have conducted a detailed analysis of two paintings, both of which are located in crypt chapels in a Theban necropolis near the Nile and date to the time of Ramses. In the first painting, the researchers were able to identify a change in the position of the figure's arms, although the cause of this relatively small change is unclear. In the second painting, the analysis found that the crown and other royal items depicted on the portrait of Ramses II (also known as Ramses II) had been adjusted multiple times, a series of changes likely related to some changes in symbolism over time.

Such alterations to the painting are thought to be rare in this type of art, but the researchers believe the findings warrant further investigation. Many uncertainties remain about the causes and timing behind the observed changes, some of which may be resolved by future analyses. The study also demonstrates the utility of portable chemical imaging technology for studying ancient paintings in situ.

Philippe Walter and Catherine Defeyt use portable scientific equipment to conduct measurements in the Valley of the Nobles in Luxor (Egypt). Image credit: David Strivay, University of Liège, CC-BY4.0

The authors add: "These findings clearly call for a systematic and closer examination of Egyptian paintings using physicochemical characterization."

Compiled source: ScitechDaily