PALAEOLOGAN STYLE

A mode of painting embraced by artists active in the Byzantine Empire during the Palaeologan Dynasty (1261-1453). Characterized by the realistic depiction of figures and draperies combined with deep expressions of emotion, this style seems to have influenced the art ofPietro Cavallini, from the Roman School, whoseapostlesat SantaCeciliain Trastevere (c. 1290) closely resemble the figures of the Palaeologanfrescoesin the Church of the Trinity at Sopocani in Serbia, painted for King Stefan Uros in 1263-1268 by Greek masters. Palaeologan icons were available in Italy, yet it is possible that Cavallini may have visited Sopocani as exchanges between East and West were not uncommon. King Stefan's wife, in fact, was French, and his mother theVenetiangranddaughter ofDogeEnrico Dandolo.