Manuel Panselinos | The great Byzantine hagiographer

Saint-Mercurius-with-sword-bow-shield
Saint Mercurius is depicted in a fresco of the Pantheon in Protaton on Mount Athos with a sword and shield, a symbol of his faith and martyrdom.

Manuel Panselnos was one of the most important Byzantine hagiographers who lived in the 13th and 14th centuries. He was born in Thessaloniki and is considered the creator of the Macedonian School of painting. His works on Mount Athos and elsewhere are considered masterpieces of the Palaeologan Renaissance.

 

Manuel Panselinos and his work

Manuel Panselinos was born in the 13th century in Thessaloniki and was the most important representative of the Macedonian School of painting during the Palaeologan Renaissance. His works are characterized by the harmony of colours, attention to detail and the expression of the faces.

Panselinos created the frescoes in important monasteries of Mount Athos, such as Vatopedi, Lavra, Protaton and Karyes. Also, the chapel of Saint Euthymios in Thessaloniki next to the church of Saint Demetrios is considered his work. His frescoes have been compared to those of the great Italian painters Giotto and Raphael.

The work of Panselnos is considered a landmark of late Byzantine art and influenced many later hagiographers. His style combined tradition with innovation and was a model of ecclesiastical painting. Although he lived centuries ago, his work remains relevant and inspires artists to this day.

The importance of Manuel Pansoulinos in art

Manuel Panselinos is considered one of the greatest Greek painters of all time. His work was a milestone in the development of Byzantine art and influenced many later generations of hagiographers. His frescoes combine tradition with innovation and exude a sense of lyricism and beauty.

Even today, the paintings of Pansoulinos on Mount Athos and elsewhere attract thousands of visitors each year who admire his craftsmanship and art. He is a source of inspiration for younger artists and is studied by art historians as a prime example of the Paleolithic Renaissance.

Άγιος-Ιωάννης-Θεολόγος-υπαγορεύει-στον-Πρόχορο
In the mural of the Full Moon, St. John the Theologian dictates to Prochoros, highlighting the sanctity of the moment.

Manuel Panselnos left an indelible mark on Byzantine art. His work, despite the centuries that separate us, continues to move us with its beauty and mastery. He is considered one of the greatest Greek painters and his contribution to art remains timeless.


References

Mouriki, N. (2010). The painting of Manuel Panselinos. Thessaloniki.

Panagiotidis, T. (2019). The work of Panselinos. Thessaloniki: University Studio Press. date of access: 24 January 2024.

Papastratos, D. (2000). The frescoes of Protatos. D., D. (2000): Kedros. date of access: 23 January 2024.

Chatzidakis, M. (2015). The Byzantine Painters. Athens: Koan. date of access: 24 January 2024.

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Detailed-female-forms-in-mural
The depiction of women in the mural of the Full Moon expresses the dynamism and boldness in Athonite retreatism.