These frescoes were primarily murals, although few have survived in their original wall locations. Most were reconstructed from fallen plaster flakes and stucco, particularly those from Knossos and other sites in Crete. Fortunately, many frescoes from Akrotiri have survived in relatively complete form. However, these are often not the originals but are facsimiles or reconstructions that incorporate original fragments, sometimes as little as 5% of the total area, with the rest added in modern times. Careful examination of photos often reveals which parts are original.

Reconstruction sometimes involves significant artistic interpretation, and multiple versions may exist, each with different names assigned. The medium used for frescoes was plaster on interior walls and stucco for exterior walls, with some exterior frescoes also being in relief. Frescoes can generally only be dated to the period in which they were painted, and no names of the original painters have survived from the Bronze Age. Because of extensive restoration, individual artistic styles are often indistinguishable, except those of the restorers; however, some scholars have attributed specific styles or names to certain frescoes, though these attributions are not widely accepted.

circa 1750-1700 BCE

Bull-Leaping Fresco
The Bull-Leaping Fresco from Knossos is one of the most famous and iconic examples of Minoan art, now displayed in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum in Crete. Dating back to around 1450-1400 BCE, this vibrant fresco was found in the Palace of Knossos, one of the most significant archaeological sites of the Minoan civilization. The fresco depicts a ceremonial practice known as bull-leaping, in which individuals grasp the horns of a bull and leap over its back. The figures, both human and bull, are painted in dynamic poses, showcasing the Minoans' mastery of depicting motion. The humans are depicted with dark skin, while the bulls are shown with lighter tones, indicating gender distinctions.

circa 1650 BCE

Adorants
Fresco painting showing three female figures, interpreted as adorants, the woman on the left is carrying a red colored bed in her hand, 1650 BC, discovered in Akrotiri of Thira, modern Santorini, preserved in the National Archaeological Museum, Greece After: Marinatos, Akrotiri, 122, 123. It was discovered in building Xeste 3, found above a basin that is seen a adyton.

circa 1700 BCE

Papyrus Flowers Fresco
The Papyrus Flowers Fresco is one of the most renowned and well-preserved frescoes discovered at Akrotiri, the ancient Minoan settlement on the island of Thera (modern-day Santorini). Dating back to the Late Bronze Age around 1600 BCE, this fresco is notable for its depiction of papyrus plants, a species not native to the island. This suggests that the Cycladic-Minoan artists may have borrowed this iconography from external influences, possibly from Egypt or Minoan Crete. Today, the fresco is housed in the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Santorini, where it continues to fascinate visitors.

circa 1700 BCE

Boxing Children Fresco
The Akrotiri Boxer Fresco, discovered in 1967, is a significant example of Minoan-period painting from the Bronze Age, circa 1700 BCE. The fresco depicts two youths, likely boys, wearing boxing gloves and belts. Their red skin suggests they are male, and their partially shaved heads indicate they are children. Found in Room B1 of Building Beta, the fresco was discovered alongside the Antelope Fresco. The figures are slightly larger than life-size, standing at about 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters). The boy on the left wears jewelry, indicating a higher status, while the boy on the right is nude except for a belt.

circa 1700 BCE

House of the Ladies: Lady A

circa 1700 BCE

House of the Ladies: Lady B
The fresco of "Lady B", or the "lady of the north-wall", from the House of the Ladies in Akrotiri on the Aegean island of Thera, depicts a mature-aged lady in typical Minoan clothing. It formed part of a larger fresco together with the "Lady A" and possibly the large papyrus fresco. Above the woman is a representation of a starry sky. Today, it is on display at the National Archaeological Museum, Athens.

circa 1700-1470 BCE

Prince of Lilies Fresco
Procession Fresco figure from the Minoan Palace of Knossos. Male in a flounced kilt, headdress of uncertain nature, proceeding through a background possibly of lilies, reaching back to grasp possibly a tether.

circa 1625–1470 BCE

Dolphins Fresco
A marine scene depicting a school of dolphins on one of the walls of the so-called "Queen's Megaron". The scene is composed symmetrically with fish in the interstices and clusters of sponges around the periphery.

circa 1470–1420 BCE

Griffins Fresco
The Griffins Fresco (inspect) from Knossos is a remarkable example of Minoan art, discovered at the Palace of Knossos on Crete. Dating to around 1450–1400 BCE, this fresco depicts griffins, a mythological creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle, positioned symmetrically. The griffins are shown with powerful, regal poses, emphasizing their symbolic significance, possibly representing strength, protection, or divine guardianship. The fresco's vibrant red colors and detailed depiction demonstrate the Minoans' skill in fresco painting and their ability to capture the dynamism of mythological creatures. The griffins are placed against a bold red background, among the flora, enhancing the overall dramatic effect of the scene.

circa 1600-1450 BCE

Antelopes Fresco
The Antelopes Fresco was discovered by Spyridon Marinatos during excavations at Akrotiri (modern Santorini) between 1967 and 1974. Found on the western wall of Room 1 in the Beta Sector. It is now housed in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. The fresco features two slender, agile antelopes drawn with strong, dark lines against a white plaster background. The figures are symmetrically arranged, with reserved yet expressive movements. The Beta Sector also contained other notable frescoes, such as the Boxing Boys Fresco and the Fresco of the Monkeys, which depicts monkeys climbing rocks near a river.

circa 1600-1450 BCE

Fisherman Fresco
The scene in the fresco, found at the ancient site of Akrotiri, on the island of Thera, illustrates a nude male figure holding two strings of small Mahi Mahi, one in each hand. Today, preserved at the National Archaeological Museum, Athens.

circa 1330-1200 BCE

Wild Boar Hunt Fresco
Discovered in ancient Tiryns, the scene depicts three spotted hounds with collars harry a boar in a field of plants while its head is being pierced from in front by a spear held in a hand. Today, preserved at the National Archaeological Museum, Athens.

circa 1700 BCE