Archaeologists in Greece have unveiled a rare fresco featuring the last Byzantine emperor, Constantine XI Palaiologos. Found in a monastery in the Aigialeia region of Achaea, western Greece, this 15th-century portrait is believed to have been created during his lifetime.
This recently discovered image is significant as it is likely the last portrait of any Byzantine emperor created while they were still alive.
Byzantine emperor’s royal depiction
The fresco portrays Constantine XI in regal attire adorned with double-headed eagles, symbolizing the Palaiologos dynasty, which ruled the Byzantine Empire for nearly 200 years. The emperor wears a jewel-encrusted crown and holds a cross-shaped scepter.
His purple cloak, dyed with the precious pigment extracted from the Bolinus brandaris sea snail, signifies his royal status. This rare dye was reserved exclusively for members of the imperial family.
Artist and monastery’s connection
Experts suggest the fresco was painted by an artist from the town of Mystras, south of the monastery. Constantine XI had lived and governed in Mystras for five years before becoming emperor.
The Holy Monastery of Pammegiston Taxiarchon, where the fresco was found, received significant financial support from Constantine’s brothers. During recent restoration efforts, the fresco featuring the emperor’s likeness was uncovered.
Historical and artistic significance
Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni described the portrait as the “only known depiction of Constantine XI Palaiologos created during his lifetime.” The emperor’s brief reign resulted in very few surviving portraits. According to Mendoni, “The artist likely observed the emperor’s facial features directly, rather than relying on an official imperial portrait.”
The Greek Ministry of Culture has praised the fresco as an “authentic representation of the last Byzantine emperor’s physiognomy.” The portrait captures “a mature man with refined facial features, exuding calmness and nobility.” This rare discovery provides a unique glimpse into the historical and artistic legacy of Byzantium’s final days.
Who was Constantine XI Palaiologos?
Constantine XI Palaiologos was born on Feb. 8, 1405, in Mistra and died on May 29, 1453, in Constantinople. He reigned as the last Byzantine Emperor from 1449 to 1453. Constantine was the fourth son of Emperor Manuel II Palaiologos and Helena of the Serbian Dragas family.
He grew up in Constantinople and, during the 1437–1440 period, served as regent while his brother John VIII Palaiologos negotiated the union of the Catholic and Orthodox churches in Florence. In 1443, Constantine became the Despot of Morea and continued his father’s efforts to strengthen the region, particularly by fortifying the Hexamilion Wall at the Corinth Isthmus.
After his brother’s death in 1448, Constantine became Emperor with the support of the Ottoman Sultan Murad II. Despite these efforts, Constantinople was conquered by the Ottomans under Sultan Mehmed II in 1453. Constantine died during the final battle on May 29, 1453, as Ottoman forces breached the city’s walls.
