Portraits of the grand knez Vukan in the endowments of Nemanjić's family in the 13th century

A rare, fragmentary portrait of Grand Knez Vukan, the only modern one surviving, was discovered on the North wall of Studenica Monastery's main entrance tower. This finding suggests that Vukan, a ktetor (patron) of the monastery, may have been depicted in a larger composition alongside Simeon and his three sons, approaching the Mother of God and Christ. Unlike other Nemanjić family members, Vukan was excluded from primary family compositions due to his complex relationship with his brother Stefan, stemming from a civil war. However, after reconciliation brokered by Saint Sava, Vukan's role in transferring their father's relics was acknowledged, integrating him into the monastery's iconographic program and founder's inscription. This study sheds light on the ideological significance of frescoes in Studenica Monastery, reflecting the Nemanjić dynasty's emphasis on brotherly love and harmony.

Đekić, Đ., & Milić, D. (2020). Portraits of the grand knez Vukan in the endowments of Nemanjić’s family in the 13th century. Bastina, (52), 263–282. https://doi.org/10.5937/bastina30-29143