The x-ray image revealed that the two figures flanking the composition experienced a considerable number of changes, especially throughout the drapery. The bulky and awkward proportions of the soldier's head and arm suggests that a painter or apprentice with less experience may have worked in this area. It was not uncommon for the edges of large format paintings to remain unfinished for a period of time, eventually being completed and/or adjusted by the original painter or a different artist at a later date. Here the entire figure was enlarged as the original position of the arm and shoulder can be seen in the x-ray. Cross-sectional analysis also revealed that the soldier was originally depicted wearing an elaborate metal tunic (lorica segmentata) instead of a yellow fabric tunic.
