Credit: Martinez et al., CC-BY 4.0 A revolutionary study utilizing portable chemical imaging has revealed surprise modifications in ancient Egyptian paintings, recommending much deeper historical and symbolic layers in these artworks.Portable chemical imaging innovation can reveal concealed details in ancient Egyptian paintings, according to a study released recently in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Philippe Martinez of Sorbonne University, France in cooperation with colleagues at the University of Liège, Belgium.Innovative Approach to Uncovering Art SecretsAncient Egyptian paintings are frequently believed to be the result of highly formalized workflows that produced knowledgeable works of art. In this research study, Martinez and coworkers utilize portable devices to carry out chemical imaging on paintings in their original context, permitting for analysis of paint structure and layering and for the identification of alterations made to ancient paintings.MA-XRF study of the painting of Ramesses II. On the second painting, analysis uncovered many changes to the crown and other royal items depicted on a picture of Ramesses II (likewise spelled Ramses 2), a series of changes that the majority of likely relate to some change in symbolic significance over time.Rethinking the Rarity of Alterations in Ancient ArtSuch alterations to paintings are thought to be unusual among such art, but the researchers suggest that these discoveries call for more investigation.
