Surprising ingredients suggest ancient Egyptian paint was far more complex than previously assumed
Ancient Egypt has left us a wealth of artistic treasures, including wall paintings, wooden coffins and limestone reliefs. Many retain their vibrant colors despite the passage of time, a testament to the ingredients used to make the paint mixtures. A new study published in the journal Science Advances has taken a closer look at some of the organic materials used in these painted artworks,…
Ancient Egyptian paint revealed complex recipes through proteomic analysis. Researchers from an international team studied 28 samples from 14 artworks dating from 1425 BCE to 400 CE, found in European museums. Proteomics, mass spectrometry of ancient proteins, identified collagen glues from various animals and plant proteins such as sesame and moringa, which were previously undocumented in these artworks.
The analysis also found that painters may have used seed cake, the protein-rich residue after oil extraction, instead of pure plant oils. This complex paint composition provides insight into ancient Egyptian artistic ingenuity and can guide conservation efforts for these historical works.
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