Final answer:
Ancient Egyptian tomb paintings are best characterized by their symbolism, using composite views and vibrant colors to depict symbolic meanings and beliefs in the afterlife.
Step-by-step explanation:
The paintings found on the walls of ancient Egyptian tombs are best characterized by their symbolism. These paintings were not only highly stylized, but they were loaded with symbolic significance catering to the belief in an afterlife. The artists employed a composite view to depict their subjects, showing each part from its most recognizable angle, such as a profile view for the face and a frontal view for the torso, which was a common technique in ancient Egyptian art. Additionally, the colors used, such as red, blue, black, gold, and green, had their own symbolic meanings. These paintings also often depicted deities, journeys through the afterlife, and daily activities the deceased wished to continue for eternity in the next world. Realism, expressionism, and surrealism do not adequately capture the distinctive features of ancient Egyptian tomb paintings.