Theodore Metochites and Chora Monastery Church (Kariye Mosque)

Abstract

This article focuses on two related issues: first, the political, intellectual, and cultural identity of Theodore Metochites, the founder of the Chora Monastery Church (the Kariye Mosque), and second, the importance of the frescoes and mosaics of the Chora. Theodore Metochites, whose name features almost exclusively in relation to the subject of Chora, worked on and wrote about ancient Greek philosophy and science in the tradition of the great 11th century Byzantine philosopher Michael Psellos. The article compares the frescoes and mosaics of the Chora, which are a product of the power and will of Metochites, to Renaissance art. The common analysis of Byzantine art- that it is static, unchanging, and constantly repeating certain clich & eacute;s that present an "orientalist" point of view-is considered and the accuracy of this analysis was discussed. The article demonstrates that Theodore Metochites was not only a patron of the arts but also one of the most talented statesmen and intellectuals of his time, under whose auspices the importance and variety of art in the Chora is described as the greatest artistic achievement of the Palaiologan Period.