Kaisariani Monastery - The Frescoes

The Frescoes

The oldest fresco is located on the external southern wall of the catholicon that now includes St. Anthony's chapel. It is of the Theotokos, turned to the left in prayer. Its sweeping brushstrokes suggest a 14th century rural technique.

The church and its narthex are decorated with frescoes, dating from the Turkish Occupation. The wealthy Benizelos family subsidized the frescoes, painted in 1682 by Ioannis Ypatos, from the Peloponnese, according to the inscription on the western wall. The cupola represents Christ Pantokrator. On the bi-partite rosette, are depicted; the Preparation of the Throne, the Virgin, John the Forerunner, the angels and a composite fresco of the Four Evangelists are represented. On the chapel's lunette, the Virgin Platytera enthroned, with angels seated on either side.

Although the frescoes do not distinguish themselves with any innovations in fresco technique, they nonetheless remain prototypes of the 16th century frescoes found in the Mount Athos. During the 17th century, frescoes became more and more popular in style and technique. This tendency is clearly illustrated in the narthex's frescoes. The painter's will to distance himself from the Cretan school is obvious.