A rare fresco featuring the last Byzantine emperor, Constantine XI Palaiologos, has been uncovered in the Old Monastery of Taxiarches in Aegialia, Greece. The discovery was made during conservation work on the Katholikon, the central church of the monastery.
Dr Anastasia Koumousi, archaeologist and director of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Achaia, identified the portrait within a second layer of frescoes, dating it securely to the mid-15th century.
The fresco portrays a mature man dressed in imperial regalia. His gold-embroidered purple cloak, adorned with medals featuring two-headed eagles and a crown, unmistakably identifies him as an emperor from the Palaiologos dynasty.
Dr Koumousi told AMNA, that this is the only documented contemporary portrait of Constantine XI, as existing depictions were created centuries after his reign.
The monastery, located 15 kilometers south of Aigion at the foot of Mount Klokos, was founded in the late 14th century by Hosios Leontios of Monemvasia. Supported by the despots of Mystra, Thomas and Dimitrios Palaiologos, the site features several Late Byzantine buildings and churches.
The Katholikon and its surrounding chapels are adorned with frescoes showcasing the artistic trends of Constantinople during the period.
