Tidbits of the digital Chicago method Part 1 - Creating and applying a damage template for digital inking

There is a lot of debate, hesitance and argument pro and contra when it comes to studying, documenting and/or indicating damaged areas of ancient Egyptian wall surfaces. In our opinion, there could be a very convincing case...

Tidbits of the digital Chicago method Part 2 - Creating and applying a plaster template for digital inking

In this second tutorial discussing nuances that are specific to the digital iterations of the Chicago method, we’d like to debate over yet another peculiar surface treatment, the representation of areas obscured by plaster.

Tidbits of the digital Chicago method Part 3 - How to create a better dashed line using Photoshop Dual Brush

Dedicating an entire article for such a nuanced topic might seem like an overkill for some, however, knowing how certain Photoshop brush settings work and understanding how we can tweak these features...

Tidbits of the digital Chicago method Part 4 – Implementing enhanced photographs with Procreate using iDStretch

DStretch – a well-known and widely used piece of software – is an ImageJ plugin written by Jon Harman to enhance rock art images invisible to the naked eye. To be able to use DStretch on your computer...

Tidbits of the digital Chicago method Part 5 - Taking and positioning detail snapshots with Procreate

In the following entry we’d like to show you how to take advantage of your tablet’s camera during digital ”penciling”, as we all know that the best camera is the one that is with you.

Let’s talk about… Ears – stylistic attributes and visual representation guidelines based on carved and painted examples

In this new series of tutorials, digitalEPIGRAPHY would like to draw your attention to the importance of stylistic accuracy in epigraphic documentation by focusing on the representation of a common feature, the human ear.

Let's talk about... damage - representing discontinuity of decorative surfaces

Due to centuries of decay and abuse of the monuments, there is one apparent feature that stands out immediately when we look at tomb or temple walls today: the tremendous amount of loss of the original surface.

Tidbits of the digital Chicago method Part 6 - Initiating selections and transformations in Procreate

Being able to do quick editing at the wall can be rewarding at times. We’d like to show you how to make precise selections and interact with the selected elements in Procreate.

Tidbits of the Digital Chicago Method Part 7 – Introducing the Survey's New Sun-Shadow Brushes

In this new tutorial of the Survey's "Tidbits…" series, digitalEPIGRAPHY would like to focus on one of the focal points in rendering raised and sunken relief, namely sun-shadow transitions.

Let's Talk About… …Sun and Shadow - A Fundamental Update on Drawing Drop Shadow Transitions in Photoshop

Started with the first epigraphical efforts in Egypt, it has been a natural desire to capture this attribute when represented on a sheet of paper with only two aspects: length and breadth. In the next installment of this series, we'll put relief representation under the microscope.

Combining digital and traditional inking methods on MHB 122, an obscured scene at the Small Amun Temple in Medinet Habu

This is a study of the multiple drawing processes used by the Epigraphic Survey (Chicago House) to document a pillar scene of Thutmose III Given Life by Amun-Re on the façade of the Small Amun Temple at Medinet Habu in Luxor.

Time Efficiency in Field Epigraphy - Documenting Loose Door Fragments in the Medinet Habu Blockyard

In the fall of 2007, when I began working at Chicago House, there were several hundred unregistered loose fragments scattered about the Medinet Habu temple precinct, some of them inscribed and lying face down on the ground, already showing advanced signs of deterioration caused by groundwater and salt.

Digital Epigraphy in the Tomb of Djehuty (TT 11) at Dra Abu el-Naga (Part 1)

A Spanish archaeological mission coordinated by the Spanish National Research Council has been working at the hill of Dra Abu el-Naga North since January 2002. The mission, also known as the ‘Djehuty Project’, has recently turned its attention towards its epigraphic process's digital overhaul.

Evolution of Epigraphy - James Henry Breasted’s Experiments with Technology to Create the Chicago House Method

The three-part article reflects on how Breasted came to establish the Epigraphic Survey and the Chicago House Method, utilizing new technologies to make epigraphic work possible, and setting the standard for the digital work of today.

America’s First Woman Egyptologist – Caroline Ransom Williams

Dr. Caroline Louise Ransom Williams (1872-1952) was the first professionally trained woman Egyptologist in America. Mentored by Breasted who was only seven years her senior, their relationship would evolve from teacher and pupil to the greatest of colleagues with a friendship that would last until his death.

Penciling on photo enlargement at Medinet Habu using the traditional Chicago House Method

Inking a square pillar representation over photo enlargement following the Chicago House Method

Faces created by using different digital documentation techniques: from the Chicago House method to Roman fresco texturing

Júlia Schmied Registering Loose Door Fragments in the Medinet Habu Blockyard

West Wall of the Chapel with the Seated Statues of Tomb Owner Djehuty and his Progenitors, Theban Tomb 11

Charles F. Nims, Douglas A. Champion, and George R. Hughes of the Epigraphic Survey Checking and Correcting Copies of Text and Reliefs at Medinet Habu

Detail of an Offering Bearer Holding Two Birds (Shrine in the Rear Wall of the Tomb of Djehutihotep)

The Palace Area at Medinet Habu in the 1920's During Ransom Wiliams' Chicago House Occupation