The paper explores the painted ornament of the Holy Trinity chapel at the
monastery of Saint John Chrysostom Koutsovend?s in Cyprus, founded by
Eumathios Philokal?s (ca. 1100). When compared to that of other early
Komnenian monuments on the island, the painted ornament at Holy Trinity
stands out for its intricacy, diversity, and high-quality of execution,
while its sophistication is demonstrated to be in keeping with the ambitious
and erudite character of the painted ensemble as a whole. Not least, rather
than being on the fringe, the painted ornament appears to have been fully
integrated into the iconographic programme of the chapel, reiterating
through metaphor the patron?s hope for salvation.