An international team of researchers has identified the protein-based binding media used in ancient Egyptian paints, shedding new light on the materials and techniques employed by artists over a period of nearly two millennia. The study, led by Clara Granzotto of the University of Copenhagen and Rebecca J. Stacey of the British Museum, examined 28 paint samples taken from 14 artifacts dating from 1425 B.C. to A.D. 400.
The analyzed objects, which are currently housed in three European museums, include coffins, wall paintings from tombs, painted limestone fragments, and plasterwork associated with mummies. According to the findings, collagen derived from cattle was the most frequently used binding medium for paint. However, the research also revealed that adhesives were made from the hides, connective tissues, and bones of sheep or goats, donkeys, and horses, with the possible inclusion of wild antelopes.
In addition to animal-derived proteins, the team identified plant proteins in the paint mixtures. These are believed to have been used in the form of seed cake, the residue left after seeds are pressed for their oil. The presence of such diverse materials suggests that ancient Egyptian artisans drew on a wider range of resources than previously recognized, adapting their recipes based on availability and the specific requirements of each project.
The study, published in the journal Science Advances, represents a significant step forward in the biomolecular analysis of ancient artistic materials. By identifying the precise protein signatures in paint layers, researchers can better understand the trade networks, agricultural practices, and craft traditions that supported Egyptian funerary art. The use of cattle collagen as a dominant binder aligns with the central role of cattle in the ancient Egyptian economy and religious symbolism, while the inclusion of donkey and horse proteins points to the use of working animals whose tissues were repurposed after their useful lives ended.
The findings also have implications for conservation efforts. Knowing the exact composition of ancient paints allows conservators to choose appropriate cleaning and stabilization methods that will not damage the original materials. The research team emphasized that the analysis was conducted on tiny samples, minimizing any impact on the artifacts themselves.
The artifacts examined in this study span a broad chronological range, from the New Kingdom period through the Roman era, offering a long-term perspective on how paint technology evolved. The consistent use of protein binders across these centuries indicates a stable tradition, even as other aspects of Egyptian art changed under foreign influences. The identification of plant seed cake as an additive suggests that artisans were making efficient use of agricultural byproducts, a practice that would have been both economical and practical.
This research adds to a growing body of knowledge about the daily practices of ancient Egyptian craftsmen, who are often remembered for their monumental architecture and iconic imagery but less frequently studied for the chemical ingenuity behind their work. The ability to detect and identify proteins in ancient paint opens new avenues for comparing artistic techniques across different regions and periods, potentially revealing connections between workshops and the movement of materials across the ancient world.
