Archaeologists in southern Greece have discovered a unique portrait of the last Byzantine emperor, Constantine XI Palaiologos, hidden within a layer of frescoes dating to the mid-15th century. The fresco was uncovered at the Holy Monastery of Pammegiston Taxiarchon in Aigialeia, which lies about 100 km west of Athens.
The discovery was announced by Dr. Anastasia Koumousi, Director of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Achaea, during restoration efforts at the monastery. The fresco, part of the second layer of wall paintings, has been dated through stylistic analysis and marks the last-known depiction of an emperor in Byzantine monumental art.
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“The work undertaken by the Ephorates of Antiquities of the Ministry of Culture proves, once again, to be extraordinarily significant,” says Lina Mendoni,, Greece’s Minister of Culture. “Through conservation and restoration of monuments, unique archaeological evidence linked to historical figures comes to light. The Ephorates’ expert staff, with their deep knowledge of historical events and archaeological data, can thoroughly document every new finding. In this case, the portrait connects to the last Byzantine emperor, representing the only known depiction created during his lifetime. The artist likely painted the emperor’s features from direct observation, rather than relying on an official imperial portrait, as was customary.”
Photo courtesy Greek Ministry of Culture
The fresco portrays a mature man dressed in imperial regalia, including a luxurious loros draped over a light-coloured sakkos, a gem-encrusted crown, and a sceptre topped with a cross. His embroidered purple cloak is adorned with medallions featuring double-headed eagles crowned between their heads—symbols of the Palaiologos dynasty.
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These visual details, combined with the insignia, leave no doubt that the figure is an emperor. Further analysis confirms that the subject is Constantine XI Palaiologos, the last Byzantine emperor, who ruled from January 6, 1449, until the fall of Constantinople on May 29, 1453.
The portrait is notable for its authenticity. Unlike many idealised or stylised imperial depictions, this fresco provides a realistic rendering of the emperor’s physical features. Constantine is shown as a man of mature age with a slender face and distinctive characteristics, radiating calmness and nobility.
Photo courtesy Greek Ministry of Culture
The fresco is believed to have been painted by an artist from Mystras, where Constantine lived as a despot for five years before becoming emperor. The portrait’s creation coincides with a period of generous donations to the monastery by Constantine’s brothers, Demetrios and Thomas, following the resolution of a civil conflict between them. The settlement, mediated by Constantine himself, is documented by the historian Laonikos Chalkokondyles.
This discovery not only enriches our understanding of Byzantine art but also offers an extraordinary connection to one of the most pivotal figures in the empire’s final chapter.
Archaeologists in southern Greece have discovered a unique portrait of the last Byzantine emperor, Constantine XI Palaiologos, hidden within a layer of frescoes dating to the mid-15th century. The fresco was uncovered at the Holy Monastery of Pammegiston Taxiarchon in Aigialeia, which lies about 100 km west of Athens.
The discovery was announced by Dr. Anastasia Koumousi, Director of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Achaea, during restoration efforts at the monastery. The fresco, part of the second layer of wall paintings, has been dated through stylistic analysis and marks the last-known depiction of an emperor in Byzantine monumental art.
“The work undertaken by the Ephorates of Antiquities of the Ministry of Culture proves, once again, to be extraordinarily significant,” says Lina Mendoni,, Greece’s Minister of Culture. “Through conservation and restoration of monuments, unique archaeological evidence linked to historical figures comes to light. The Ephorates’ expert staff, with their deep knowledge of historical events and archaeological data, can thoroughly document every new finding. In this case, the portrait connects to the last Byzantine emperor, representing the only known depiction created during his lifetime. The artist likely painted the emperor’s features from direct observation, rather than relying on an official imperial portrait, as was customary.”
The fresco portrays a mature man dressed in imperial regalia, including a luxurious loros draped over a light-coloured sakkos, a gem-encrusted crown, and a sceptre topped with a cross. His embroidered purple cloak is adorned with medallions featuring double-headed eagles crowned between their heads—symbols of the Palaiologos dynasty.
These visual details, combined with the insignia, leave no doubt that the figure is an emperor. Further analysis confirms that the subject is Constantine XI Palaiologos, the last Byzantine emperor, who ruled from January 6, 1449, until the fall of Constantinople on May 29, 1453.
The portrait is notable for its authenticity. Unlike many idealised or stylised imperial depictions, this fresco provides a realistic rendering of the emperor’s physical features. Constantine is shown as a man of mature age with a slender face and distinctive characteristics, radiating calmness and nobility.
The fresco is believed to have been painted by an artist from Mystras, where Constantine lived as a despot for five years before becoming emperor. The portrait’s creation coincides with a period of generous donations to the monastery by Constantine’s brothers, Demetrios and Thomas, following the resolution of a civil conflict between them. The settlement, mediated by Constantine himself, is documented by the historian Laonikos Chalkokondyles.
This discovery not only enriches our understanding of Byzantine art but also offers an extraordinary connection to one of the most pivotal figures in the empire’s final chapter.
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