Andronikos Rogerios (twelfth century, second half)
Obverse
In the center, an icon of the Mother of God set upon a dais. She is portrayed half-length holding the Christ-child in her left arm. On either side of her, the sigla: ̅θυ̅: Μή(τη)ρ Θ(εο)ῦ. On the right, a smaller figure, undoubtedly the owner of the seal himself, has placed his foot on the dais and is presenting the model of a church to the Mother of God. Along the circumference, within concentric circles of dots, a circular inscription beginning with a cross at twelve o'clock:
σκεποισμεχρυσοπαεπαστασκυριου
σκἐποις με, χρυσόπαστε παστὰς Κυρίου
Obverse
In the center, an icon of the Mother of God set upon a dais. She is portrayed half-length holding the Christ-child in her left arm. On either side of her, the sigla: ̅θυ̅: Μή(τη)ρ Θ(εο)ῦ. On the right, a smaller figure, undoubtedly the owner of the seal himself, has placed his foot on the dais and is presenting the model of a church to the Mother of God. Along the circumference, within concentric circles of dots, a circular inscription beginning with a cross at twelve o'clock:
σκεποισμεχρυσοπαεπαστασκυριου
σκἐποις με, χρυσόπαστε παστὰς Κυρίου
Reverse
In the center, a monogram: ργιοσ : Ῥωγ(έ)ριος. Along the circumference, a circular inscription within concentric circles of dots.
σεαονανδρονικονεκΡ̣̣Γ̣Ε̣Ρ̣Ι̣̣Ν̣
σεβαστὸν Ἀνδρόνικον ἐκ Ῥωγερίων
Accession number | BZS.1947.2.1080 |
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Diameter | 31.0 mm; field: 29.0 mm |
Previous Editions | J. Nesbitt, "Some observations about the Roger family," Νέα Ῥώμη 1 (2004), 214–17 (with references to earlier editions); cf. Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden II, no. 2118. |
Translation
σκἐποις με, χρυσόπαστε παστὰς Κυρίου, σεβαστὸν Ἀνδρόνικον ἐκ Ῥωγερίων.
Bridal chamber of the Lord, wrought with gold, protect me, the sebastos Andronikos, issue of the Rogerios family.
Bibliography
- Corpus der byzantinischen Siegel mit metrischen Legenden, Vol. 2, Siegellegenden von Ny bis inklusive Sphragis (Open in Zotero)
Commentary
This seal offers a noteworthy combination of metrical inscription, monogram, and iconography. Especially interesting is the form of address to the Mother of God as the χρυσόπαστε παστάς, describing her as the bridal chamber in which the Logos is united with humanity; the preceding epithet (here translated as "wrought in gold") will refer to the icon depicting her on the obverse. On Andronikos Rogerios, see Nesbitt's commentary in the edition cited.