Ancient Thouria - 2017

Ancient Thouria. Michalis Kappas (Ephorate of Antiquities of Messenia) reports the following:

Extensive restoration work carried out in recent years by the Ephorate of Antiquities of Messinia revealed previously unknown monumental paintings, which have redated a number of key monuments. These discoveries included the three most important monastic churches of the Messenian countryside: the katholikon of Andromonastiro, the narthex of the church of Samarina, and the katholikon of the monastery of Ellinika near ancient Thouria. All three were formerly dated to the end of the 12th century, but recent evidence suggests a 13th-century date. Their wall paintings reflect the high artistic level that characterizes the art of this particular period, whereas, at least in the case of the first two, individual iconographic details illuminate the issue of the involvement of the Frankish rulers in founding and decorating monasteries of Orthodox doctrine. As a result, the exclusive use of the terms ‘western’ or ‘eastern’ does not always serve the attempts to interpret and group wall paintings, especially those created in areas with a multicultural background. Exchange between West and East was far more complex than previously thought, and painters working in the Peloponnese for both Orthodox and Catholic clients appear to have adapted their style and iconography with remarkable flexibility to suit the occasion.