Ancient Egyptian painting materials revealed through new study

An international team of researchers has identified the specific biological materials used by ancient Egyptian artists to create paints, binders, and adhesives. The study, published in Science Advances, analyzed 28 samples from 14 artifacts dating between 1425 B.C. and 400 A.D., held in collections at the British Museum, Medelhavsmuseet, and Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek.

While it was previously understood that animal byproducts were used, the research reveals a more complex reliance on both animal and plant resources. Researchers identified collagen from cattle, donkeys, horses, sheep, goats, antelopes, and chickens, as well as egg proteins used in white, red, and green paints. Additionally, the study found the use of cereals such as wheat, barley, and rye, alongside sesame and moringa.

The discovery suggests that material selection was driven by both technical properties and religious symbolism. For instance, the use of moringa may have been a deliberate act of devotion, as the plant was associated with Ptah, the patron god of artisans. Using paleoproteomics and mass spectrometry, the team was able to distinguish these original materials from later restorations.