The symbolical investiture of the archbishop Basil of Bulgaria at Melnik

Abstract

The heretofore variously explained fresco in the apse of the church at Melnik showing the apostle Peter, a bishop and Christ is now interpreted as the symbolical investiture of archbishop Basil. The interpretation is based on iconography analysis taking into account the other frescoes in the apse as well as on the sources relating to the short-lived union of the Bulgarian (Tirnovo) Archbishopric with Rome. The fresco has been dated between 1204 and 1207. .