Since its discovery, it has been widely interpreted as a depiction of a prince, a priest, or even a deity. However, recent studies have raised new questions about its original form, leading some to believe that the famous figure may have once been part of a different composition.

Beyond its artistic and historical value, the fresco also carries deep connections to nature, particularly the sea daffodil (Pancratium maritimum)—a flower that still blooms on Crete’s beaches today.

Description of the Prince with the Lilies Fresco

A. Materials and Artistic Style

• The fresco is an example of Minoan relief painting, a technique where plaster figures were sculpted in low relief, attached to walls, and then painted.
• Created using lime plaster mixed with sand, giving it a three-dimensional effect.
• The fresco was reconstructed from three large fragments with additional artistic interpretations filling in missing details.
• The Minoan artistic style is evident in its fluid movement, naturalistic anatomy, and vibrant colors.

B. The Figure’s Appearance

The “Prince” or “King-Priest” is portrayed as a young man with an athletic, slender build, depicted with:

• A bare chest, wearing a traditional Minoan kilt (ζώμος, zōmos).
• A necklace made of beads, possibly representing lily bulbs or shells.
• An elaborate crown decorated with lilies and peacock feathers, reinforcing the connection between nature, nobility, and divinity.

The Minoan artistic convention of gender-specific skin tones is also present—his reddish-brown skin follows the traditional depiction of male figures, while female figures were usually painted in pale white tones.

Interpretations: Prince, Priest, or Something Else?

Since its discovery, scholars have debated the true identity of the Prince with the Lilies. The original interpretation by Sir Arthur Evans was that the fresco depicted a priest-king, but newer research presents alternative theories.

A. The “Prince” Interpretation

• The lilies and peacock feathers in the crown were originally believed to symbolize royal authority.
• The elegant posture and flowing movement were interpreted as signs of regal dignity and control.

B. The “Priest-King” Interpretation

• Some scholars argue that the figure represents a high-ranking religious leader rather than a prince.
• The processional stance suggests participation in a ritual or sacred event.
• The Minoan ruling system may have combined religious and political authority, making him a priest-king.

C. The “Athlete or Boxer” Theory

• Later studies suggest that the fragments may not all belong to the same figure.
• Some researchers propose that this was originally a fresco of a boxer or an athlete, with his elaborate crown added during later reconstruction.
• This theory connects the fresco to Minoan sports and ritual competitions, rather than royalty.

D. The “God or Mythological Creature” Theory

• Some reconstructions suggest that the figure originally had elements of a sphinx or divine hybrid.
• This would mean it was not a human at all but rather a representation of a Minoan deity.
• Minoans often depicted mythological creatures and hybrid beings in their religious art.

Connection to Nature: The Lilies of the Prince

A. The Symbolism of the Lily

• The lilies (sea daffodils) depicted in the Prince with the Lilies fresco are not just decorative—they held deep spiritual and symbolic meaning.
• These flowers bloom on the beaches of Crete from mid-August to September, just as they did in ancient times.
• Their ability to grow in the sand, where few plants survive, symbolizes resilience and survival, much like the Minoan civilization itself.

B. The Flowers of Minoan Crete Today

• The same sea daffodils still grow in modern Crete, particularly along the north coast from Stalos to Falasarna.
• However, urban development and tourism have destroyed many of them, as construction damages the delicate bulbs.
• Their endurance despite environmental changes is a powerful symbol of Crete’s cultural and historical survival.

Restoration and Preservation

A. The Discovery and Reconstruction by Evans

• The Prince with the Lilies fresco was found in the southern entrance of the palace, an area heavily damaged by time and natural disasters.
• Evans and his team reconstructed it using fragments from multiple frescoes, leading to controversy over the accuracy of the final version.
• The first replica was created in 1926 by Swiss artist Émile Gilliéron and placed in Knossos.

Conclusion

The Prince with the Lilies Fresco is more than just a painting—it is a cultural treasure that embodies Minoan art, religion, and connection to nature. Whether it depicts royalty, a sacred procession, or a long-lost god, its impact on history is undeniable.

Like the sea daffodil lilies that continue to bloom in Crete, the legacy of the Minoans lives on through their art, myths, and enduring influence.