Fragmentary Scene of Foreigners, Tomb of Senenmut 1458 BC

This fragmentary scene of foreigners was painted on a wall within the tomb of Senenmut, a high-ranking official who served during the reign of Hatshepsut, around 1470 BCE. The process was a complex undertaking. Craftsmen first prepared the wall surface, which likely involved layering mud plaster over the irregular stone to create a smooth canvas. Pigments, ground from minerals like ochre, azurite, and malachite, were mixed with a binding agent, perhaps animal glue. Using brushes, the artisans applied the colors in a precise sequence to depict human figures. The skill of the artists can be seen in the detailed rendering of the dress and vessels. The depiction of foreigners bearing gifts speaks to the extensive trade networks and diplomatic relations of ancient Egypt, reflecting the power of the ruling elite who commissioned these lavish decorations. The labor-intensive process underscores the value placed on craftsmanship within Egyptian society.