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John archbishop of Cyprus (seventh/eighth century)

 
 

Obverse

Bust of a bearded saint-bishop holding a book. Elaborate wreath border.

Reverse

Cruciform monogram, reading Ἰωάννου ἀρχιεπισκόπου. In the four angles, the inscription: ΚΥ|Π. Wreath border.

Ἰωάννου ἀρχιεπισκόπου Κύπ<ρ>ου

Obverse

Bust of a bearded saint-bishop holding a book. Elaborate wreath border.

Reverse

Cruciform monogram, reading Ἰωάννου ἀρχιεπισκόπου. In the four angles, the inscription: ΚΥ|Π. Wreath border.

Ἰωάννου ἀρχιεπισκόπου Κύπ<ρ>ου

Accession number BZS.1951.31.5.688
Diameter 32.0 mm; field: 20.0 mm
Previous Editions

DO Seals 2 no. 38.12. See also Laurent, Corpus V/2, no. 1481 (listed incorrectly as Fogg 654), and Zacos-Veglery, no. 2974.

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

Translation

Ἰωάννου ἀρχιεπισκόπου Κύπρου.

(Seal of) John, archbishop of Cyprus.

Commentary

Seemingly, two rhos are missing on the reverse, one within the monogram, and one within the inscription within the angles. However, it is clear from related specimens of the same archbishop of Cyprus (containing the same obverse), that both rhos are meant.

Bibliography

  • Byzantine Lead Seals, Vol. 1 (Open in Zotero)
  • Catalogue of the Byzantine Seals at Dumbarton Oaks and at the Fogg Museum of Art, Vol. 2: South of the Balkans, the Islands, South of Asia Minor (Open in Zotero)