DStretch® and Egyptian tomb paintings: a case study from Beni Hassan

The advantage of using DStretch® – image enhancement software developed for rock art research – for the analysis and recording of ancient Egyptian wall paintings is demonstrated via its recent application at the cemetery site of Beni Hassan. DStretch® enhanced photographs of painted surfaces enable obscure or faded details to be viewed by artificially highlighting traces of remaining pigment. Trial use of DStretch® for the examination of wall paintings at Beni Hassan has revealed or confirmed new images of pigs and bats (animals that are rarely attested in Egyptian art), and a highly unusual depiction of a vulture, exposing features that were otherwise unavailable visually. When used in conjunction with digital epigraphy, DStretch® offers an invaluable tool for achieving a more complete record of Egypt’s artistic legacy.