1. Papyrus: Papyrus, a versatile material made from the stem of the papyrus plant, was widely used for writing and painting. It was created by slicing the stem into thin sheets, pressing and bonding them together to form writing sheets or rolls. Scribes and artists used papyrus for various purposes, including religious manuscripts, funerary texts known as the "Books of the Dead," administrative documents, and works of literature.
2. Wooden Panels: Wooden panels were another common surface for Egyptian paintings. These panels were often used for creating scenes depicting religious subjects or daily life. Coffins and sarcophagi were also decorated with paintings on wooden panels. Hieroglyphic texts and decorative patterns commonly accompanied the painted images.
3. Tomb Walls: Egyptians decorated the walls of tombs and burial chambers with paintings to provide the deceased with comfort, protection, and provisions for the afterlife. The paintings often depicted scenes related to the deceased's life, such as hunting, fishing, farming, and banquets. Deities and protective spirits were also frequently featured in tomb paintings to ensure the deceased's well-being in the afterlife.
In these cases, the paints were made from minerals and plants to create a diverse range of colors. The pigments were often mixed with water or other binders to create inks that could be applied with brushes made from reeds. Additionally, ancient Egyptians also employed various techniques, such as outlining figures and coloring within those lines, to enhance the visual appeal of their artworks.