The Last Emperor

 

In the Katholikon of the Old Monastery of Taxiarches in Aegialia, just 15 km from Aigio, two layers of frescoes of high artistic quality from the late Byzantine period are preserved, reflecting the aesthetic trends of Constantinople. During their conservation work, archaeologist Dr. Anastasia Koumousi, Director of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Achaia, discovered in the second layer of frescoes—which, based on stylistic criteria, is securely dated to the mid-15th century—the unique portrait of the last Byzantine emperor, Constantine XI Palaiologos. 

Unlike idealized representations, this portrait authentically captures the physical features of Constantine XI. He is depicted as a mature man with a slender face, radiating calmness and nobility.

The artist behind the fresco likely came from Mystras, where Constantine XI lived for five years as “Despot”—the title for a regional governor—before ascending to the throne. The portrait is linked to the generous patronage of the monastery by Constantine’s brothers, which is well-documented in historical records. This donation followed the resolution of their civil war (1449-1450), mediated by Constantine, as noted by the historian Laonikos Chalkokondyles. 

The Ministry of Culture’s announcement identifies the figure as Constantine XI Palaiologos, the brother of the monastery’s patrons, the Despots of Morea, Demetrios and Thomas. 

This fresco represents the last known portrait of a Byzantine emperor in monumental painting and the only contemporary depiction of Constantine XI during his reign (January 6, 1449 – May 29, 1453).

SOURCE: Ministry of Culture/The National Herald