Centuries-Old Byzantine Art Mystery Points to Ioannis Astrapas as 'Panselinos'

New handwriting analysis and historical research suggest the famed Byzantine painter known as Panselinos was actually Ioannis Astrapas of Thessaloniki.

Court handwriting expert Christina Sotirakoglou linked a 14th-century manuscript to inscriptions on Byzantine church paintings traditionally attributed to Panselinos.
The research identifies Ioannis Astrapas, a prominent member of the Macedonian School of painting, as the likely real identity behind the pseudonym Panselinos, meaning 'full moon' in Greek.
Panselinos' works, renowned for their blend of classical proportions and Orthodox spirituality, are considered masterpieces of late Byzantine art.
The findings were based on stylistic comparisons of Greek letters, despite Sotirakoglou being restricted to photographic evidence due to Mount Athos' long-standing ban on women.
Scholars acknowledge the breakthrough but note further investigation is needed to fully understand Astrapas' contributions and other artists' roles in the Protato church paintings.