Αλληγορική παράσταση του Βίου - Κάιρου σε μια μεταβυζαντινή τοιχογραφία στη Χίο

Abstract

In a fresco, in the byzantine church of the Holy Virgin ( Panaghia Krina) on the island of Chios, a work of the painter Michael Chomatzas ( 1734 ), the ancient allegoric personification of « Kairos » is represented as a naked youth holding a pair of scales in one hand, and seized by the forelock by a richly dressed man (PI. 14). This theme originated in ancient Greece, but survived in the Middle Ages. Some representations of Kairos ( Time ) are known in byzantine art, and some related literary creations from the same period are also known ( poems and epigrams ). Munoz first identified as the ancient allegoric figure of Kairos the well known marble relief of the Cathedral of Torcello, and showed its connection with a poem of Theodore Prodromos (12th cent.). The fresco in Chios, until now unknown, confirms Munoz’s hypothesis since a long inscription with the same poem unaltered appears near the figures. The original conception of the Kairos personification as opportunity, was transformed in byzantine times to symbolize the pleasures of life. With this meaning and with the new name of «Βίος» (Life) it is also represented in the Chios fresco. The poem, and the figures there, have an instructive character, emphasizing the vanity of life.