Portable chemical imaging technology has the capability to unveil hidden details in ancient Egyptian paintings, as confirmed by a study published on July 12, 2023 in the open-access journal, PLOS ONE, by Philippe Martinez from Sorbonne University, France, collaborating with colleagues at the University of Liège, Belgium.
Traditionally, the examination of ancient Egyptian paintings and the processes involved in their creation have taken place in museums or laboratories. However, the study conducted by Martinez and his colleagues utilizes portable devices for performing chemical imaging directly on the paintings in their original context.
This allows the researchers to analyze the paint composition, layering, and even identify any alterations that may have been made to the paintings in the past.
Two specific paintings, situated in tomb chapels in the Theban Necropolis near the River Nile and dating back to the Ramesside Period, were extensively analyzed. The first painting revealed alterations made to the position of a figure’s arm, though the motive behind this minor change remains unknown.
The second painting showcased various modifications to the crown and other royal elements depicted in a portrait of Ramesses II. These changes are believed to reflect a shift in the symbolic meaning over time.
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MA-XRF study of the painting of Ramesses II. Credit: Martinez et al., 2023, PLOS ONE, CC-BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
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Philippe Walter and Catherine Defeyt taking measurements in the Noble Valley in Luxor (Egypt) using the portable scientific device. Credit: David Strivay, University of Liege, CC-BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Although alterations to Egyptian paintings are considered rare, these intriguing discoveries indicate the need for further investigation. The motivations and timing behind these alterations remain uncertain and may be resolved through future analysis. This study demonstrates the valuable application of portable chemical imaging technology for in-situ examination of ancient paintings.
The authors also emphasize the necessity for a systematic and closer inspection of Egyptian paintings using physicochemical characterization techniques.
More information:
Philippe Martinez et al, Hidden mysteries in ancient Egyptian paintings from the Theban Necropolis observed by in-situ XRF mapping, PLOS ONE (2023). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287647
Citation:
Hidden details of Egyptian paintings revealed by chemical imaging (2023, July 13)
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