At the same time, I have always had a great interest in Byzantine iconography and the theology of the icon -- not to mention Eastern Christian theology as well. I explored those particular interests not only by way of frequent participation in the Divine Liturgy many years ago, but also by dwelling in the texts of Vladimir Lossky (The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church), Leonid Ouspensky (The Theology of the Icon), Constantine Cavarnos (Guide to Byzantine Iconogaphy), not to mention the Philokalia and The Way of a Pilgrim.
Accordingly, I have always been intrigued by a Byzantine image which graced the front of Constantine Cavarnos' book, Aristotle's Theory of Fine Art; that cover shows an historical image of Aristotle himself in the Byzantine iconographic style -- not portrayed as a saint of course, but portrayed nonetheless:
This has always intrigued me, particularly given that it combines two interests. Recently, I found an Orthodox Christian writer who spoke of this same topic. I cannot speak at all to the particular history of this, so I will simply present his post in its entirety. Speaking personally, I find it of great interest and would be very glad to hear from some of our Eastern Christian readers here -- and, please, do share other examples if you have them.
Byzantine Frescoes of Ancient Philosophers
During the Ottoman occupation (15th-19th cent.) many churches and monasteries throughout Greece served as "secret schools" (Gr. "κρυφό σχολειό") where the writings of the ancients were studied in a private environment and taught by either monastics or clergy. Often these schools were in the narthex of churches, which is why these frescoes are often found in this area of the church. Because many ancient philosophers are said to have foretold the coming of Christ as well, they were revered by Christians for their wisdom, though not as saints (hence their depiction without halos).
The Wise Solon (ca. 638 BC – 558 BC) in the Great Lavra of Mount Athos.
The Wise Solon (c. 638 BC – 558 BC) in the Monastery of Prophet Elias in Siatista.
The Wise Hippocrates (ca. 460 BC – ca. 370 BC) in the National Library of France dating to 1342
The Wise Sybil is found at the Monastery of Evangelistria in Zagorohoria and was painted in 1809
The Wise Sybil is found at the Monastery of Evangelistria in Zagorohoria and was painted in 1809
In the main gate of the Monastery of Vatopaidi, the visitor is greeted by the Wise Apollonius on the right pillar and Thales the Greek King of Egypt on the left. They were painted in 1870
The Wise Apollonius painted in 1858 by Nikephoros in Vatopaidi Monastery ("ἐγώ γὰρ ἐφετμεύω, τρισένα μόνον ὑψιμέδοντα θεόν· οὗν λόγος ἄφθιτος ἐν ἀδαή κόρη ἔγκυμος ἔσεται·")
The Wise Thales painted in 1858 by Nikephoros in Vatopaidi Monastery ("Ὁ πατήρ γόνος καὶ ὁ γόνος πατήρ, ἄσαρκος σαρκικός γέγονε, θεός ὑπάρχων.")
The Wise Sybil painted in 1858 by Nikephoros in Vatopaidi Monastery ("Ἥξει οὐρανόθεν βασιλεύς αἰώνων, μέλλων κρῖναι πᾶσαν σάρκα, καὶ κόσμο ἅπαντα.")
The Wise Sophocles painted in 1858 by Nikephoros in Vatopaidi Monastery ("Ἔστι θεός ἄναρχος ἀπλοῦς τῇ φύσει· ὅς οὐρανόν ἔτευξεν ἅμα καὶ χθόνα.")
The Wise Plato painted in 1858 by Nikephoros in Vatopaidi Monastery (Gr. "Ὁ παλαιός νέος καὶ νέος ὁ ἀρχαίος, ὁ πατήρ ἐν τῷ γόνῳ καὶ ὁ γόνος ἐν τῷ πατρί. Τό ἕν διαιρείται εἰς τρία καὶ τά τρία εἰς ἕν." Eng. The old is new and the new is ancient. The Father is in the Offspring and the Offspring is in the Father, the One is divided into Three, and the Three constitute One.")
The Wise Aristotle painted in 1858 by Nikephoros in Vatopaidi Monastery (Gr. "Άκάματος φύσει Θεοῦ γέννησις ἐξ αὐτοῦ γὰρ ὁ αὐτός οὐσιοῦται λόγος." Eng. The begetting of God is by nature inexhaustible, for the Logos derives His substance from Him.")
The Wise Plutarch as depicted in the narthex of the church at the Monastery of Philanthropinon in Ioannina. The Monastery was founded in 1272 and painted in 1542.
The Wise Aristotle as depicted in the narthex of the church at the Monastery of Philanthropinon in Ioannina. The Monastery was founded in 1272 and painted in 1542.
Various ancient Greek philosophers depicted near the geneological tree of Christ in Saint Paraskevi Church in Siatista of Kozani. The church was built in 1677.
The Wise Plutarch in Saint Paraskevi Church in Siatista of Kozani.
The Wise Aristotle in Saint Paraskevi Church in Siatista of Kozani.
The Wise Plato and the Wise Aristotle in Saint Paraskevi Church in Siatista of Kozani.
The Wise Solon and the Wise Thucydides in Saint Paraskevi Church in Siatista of Kozani.
The four kings prophesied by Daniel the Prophet, among whom is Alexander the Great. Saint Achilleos Church in Kozani built in 1740.
Hippocrates holding the words to his oath.
Source: Byzantine Frescoes of the Ancient Philosophers
