Ancient Egyptian Portrait Blunder: X-Rays Reveal Surprising Interpretation of Pharaoh Ramesses II's Tomb Painting

Evidence suggests that ancient Egyptian artists made mistakes in a royal portrait discovered in a tomb within a vast necropolis over 3,000 years ago. The painting, featuring pharaoh Ramesses II, was found in the tomb of an official named Nakhtamun, located near Thebes (present-day Luxor).

According to a recent study, titled "Hidden Mysteries in Ancient Egyptian Paintings from the Theban Necropolis Observed by In-Situ XRF Mapping" published in the journal PLOS One, the portrait depicts the pharaoh with facial stubble and facing a figure whose features are indistinct.

The relief carved walls of the tomb of Tia during the inauguration of the Cemetery of the Modern State, south of Saqqara, in Giza, on May 23, 2011. Tia was treasurer and overseer of the cattle of Pharaoh Ramesses II (Dynasty XIX), and married the pharoh’s sister who was also called Tia. Their common tomb was built and decorated between 1290 and 1270 BC. KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images

X-rays Help Reinterpret Ramesses II's Painting

Previous interpretations by scholars suggested that an ancient Egyptian tomb painting depicted Pharaoh Ramesses II mourning his father, pharaoh Seti I. However, a new scan of the painting using portable X-ray fluorescence imaging challenges this theory.

According to Live Science, the scan revealed that Ramesses II was facing the god Ptah, rather than his deceased father. The team also discovered unique details, including a protruding Adam's apple, which is not typically depicted in ancient Egyptian art.

The team found evidence that the original depiction of Ramesses II included a shebyu collar, which was popular during the 20th dynasty but not during Ramesses II's reign. The collar was painted over and replaced with a wesekh necklace, which was worn during Ramesses II's era.

This alteration suggests that the painting was initially created in the 20th dynasty, decades after Ramesses II's death, and was modified to correct the necklace type.

Philippe Martinez, the study's first author, told Live Science that the protruding Adam's apple may have been added during the repainting process, possibly as a mistake. The reason for depicting Ramesses II with stubble on his chin remains unclear, as it deviates from the typical portrayal of a shaven or bearded pharaoh.

Adam's Apple in Ancient Egypt Painting Not Unique

The study's findings challenge previous understandings of the painting and highlight the importance of employing advanced imaging techniques to reveal hidden details and reevaluate ancient artworks. However, not all experts agree with the team's interpretations and the suggested timeline for the artwork's creation.

Peter Brand, a history professor at the University of Memphis and an expert on Ramesses II, expressed disagreement with some of the study's findings.

Brand's research suggests that shebyu collars were indeed worn during Ramesses II's reign, and he believes the painting dates to the later years of Ramesses II's rule, as indicated by the proportions of the king's crown and his nose observed in reliefs at Karnak, a temple complex in Thebes.

Moreover, the author of the book "Ramesses II: Egypt's Ultimate Pharaoh" also disputed the uniqueness of the protruding Adam's apple in the painting, stating that it is not uncommon in ancient Egyptian portraits.

The team conducting the study not only analyzed the painting featuring Ramesses II but also examined another tomb painting of Menna, a tomb owner from the same necropolis. The scan of Menna's painting revealed additional details about an arm that had been painted over but remained visible to the naked eye.