A unique portrait of Constantine XI Palaiologos, the last emperor of the Byzantine Empire, was discovered at the Old Monastery of the Archangels in Aigialeia, Greece. The finding was made during conservation work on the monastery's frescoes by Dr. Anastasia Koumousi, the archaeologist and head of the Antiquities Ephorate of Achaia.
The portrait was found beneath a layer of frescoes dating to the mid-15th century. It depicts a man adorned with imperial insignia, including a luxurious loros over a light-colored sakkos and a diadem crown. The figure holds a cross-bearing scepter. The man's gold-embroidered purple mantle is decorated with medallions displaying double-headed eagles with a crown between their heads, a distinctive emblem of the Palaiologos family.
Dr. Koumousi confirmed that the portrait was created during the emperor's lifetime. "It is the only known surviving portrait of the individual in question," she stated, according to iefimerida. Constantine XI was crowned on January 6, 1449, and reigned until his death on May 29, 1453, during the fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans. Portraits of him exist from two or three centuries later, but this discovery represents the only contemporary likeness.
"The work being carried out by the Ephorates of Antiquities of the Ministry of Culture is proving, once again, extremely important, as it brings to light unique archaeological testimonies connected with historical figures," said the Greek Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, as reported by Proto Thema.
The portrait is noteworthy for its realistic rendering of the emperor's physical features, differing from the idealized or standardized imperial depictions common in Byzantine art. The figure is described as an "earthly figure, a mature man with a thin face and individualized features, who exudes tranquility and courtesy," according to Newsbomb.
Further analysis indicates that the painter likely originated from Mystras, where Constantine XI lived for five years as despot before ascending to the throne.
The monastery's renovation was patronized by Constantine XI's brothers, Despots Demetrios and Thomas Palaiologos. The imperial portrait is connected to their generous support of the monastery following a civil war between them, which was resolved with the arbitration of Constantine XI.
The imperial portrait is considered the last chronologically preserved portrait of an emperor in Byzantine monumental painting.
The Old Monastery of the Archangels, also known as the Monastery of Pammegiston Taxiarchon, is located near Aigio, about 160 kilometers west of Athens.
This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq