The only lifetime image of the last Byzantine emperor was discovered in Greece. Photo

In Greece, archaeologists have found the only lifetime image of the last Byzantine emperor, Constantine XI Paleologos. The portrait of the ruler was found on the second layer of a fresco created in the middle of the fifteenth century.

The valuable discovery was made in the Catholic Church of the old Taxiarchon Egialia Monastery. Two layers of frescoes of high artistic quality of the late Byzantine period have been preserved, reflecting the aesthetic trends of Constantinople, the website of the Ministry of Culture of Greece says.

During the restoration work, Anastasia Kumusi, director of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Achaia, an archaeologist, identified a unique portrait of the last Byzantine emperor Constantine XI Paleologus in the second layer of the wall painting.

"The work carried out by the Ministry of Culture's Ephorate of Antiquities is extremely important, as it reveals unique archaeological sites and evidence related to historical figures. In this case, the image is related to the last emperor of Byzantium and is his only lifetime portrait," said Lina Mendoni, Minister of Culture of Greece.

The official noted that the portrait features of the last emperor of Byzantium XI, Constantine Paleologus, were apparently conveyed by the artist from his own perception, that is, "his model was not an official imperial portrait, as was customary, but the emperor himself."

According to scientists, the fresco depicts the figure of a mature man with imperial attributes, in particular, holding a cross-shaped scepter. The gold-embroidered purple of the mantle is decorated with medallions on which are engraved two-headed eagles with a crown between their heads – the signs of the Paleologists' family.

The researchers emphasize that the presence of the two-headed eagles on the figure's clothing, combined with the rest of the symbols, constituted an illustrated message that allowed the viewer to unmistakably identify the emperor.

Scholars note that as a portrait, it is not idealistic or formulaic; it is an authentic portrait that accurately reproduces the physiognomic features of the last Byzantine emperor. This is an earthly figure, a mature man, with a thin face and individual features that radiate calmness and gentleness, experts say.

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