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The diakonia of the Theotokos (seventh century)

 
 

Obverse

The Mother of God seated on a lyre-back throne holding Christ before her. Inscription in two columns: δ|ι|α|κ.|..|..θ|εο|το|κ.|υ : Διακ[ονία(ς) τ(ῆς)] Θεοτόκ[ο]υ. Indeterminate border.


Reverse

St. Theodore standing, spearing a snake lying on the ground with a cross staff. His left hand rests on a shield set on the ground. Inscription in two columns: ο|αγ|ιοσ|θε.|δ|ρο|σ : Ὁ ἅγιος Θε[ό]δωρος. Indeterminate border.

Obverse

The Mother of God seated on a lyre-back throne holding Christ before her. Inscription in two columns: δ|ι|α|κ.|..|..θ|εο|το|κ.|υ : Διακ[ονία(ς) τ(ῆς)] Θεοτόκ[ο]υ. Indeterminate border.


Reverse

St. Theodore standing, spearing a snake lying on the ground with a cross staff. His left hand rests on a shield set on the ground. Inscription in two columns: ο|αγ|ιοσ|θε.|δ|ρο|σ : Ὁ ἅγιος Θε[ό]δωρος. Indeterminate border.

Accession number BZS.1951.31.5.3468
Diameter 20.0 mm
Previous Editions

DO Seals 5 no. 63.1.

Credit Line Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore.

Translation

Διακονίας τῆς Θεοτόκου. Ὁ ἅγιος Θε[ό]δωρος.

(Token of) the diakonia of the Theotokos. Saint Theodore.

Bibliography

  • Catalogue of Byzantine Seals at Dumbarton Oaks and in the Fogg Museum of Art, Volume 5: The East (continued), Constantinople and Environs, Unknown Locations, Addenda, Uncertain Readings (Open in Zotero)