Anastasios skeuophylax (seventh century)
Obverse
A standing St. Sophia holding small cross before her. Inscription: Η|ΑΓ|Ι|Α.|Ο|ΦΙ|Α: Ἡ ἁγία Σοφία. Wreath border.
Reverse
Inscription in five lines. Wreath border.
..Ν
ΣΤΣΙ
ΣΚΕΥ
ΦΥΛΚ
ΟΣ
Ἀναστασίου σκευωφύλακος
Obverse
A standing St. Sophia holding small cross before her. Inscription: Η|ΑΓ|Ι|Α.|Ο|ΦΙ|Α: Ἡ ἁγία Σοφία. Wreath border.
Reverse
Inscription in five lines. Wreath border.
..Ν
ΣΤΣΙ
ΣΚΕΥ
ΦΥΛΚ
ΟΣ
Ἀναστασίου σκευωφύλακος
| Accession number | BZS.1955.1.4903 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 25.0 mm; field: 18.0 mm |
| Previous Editions | Zacos-Veglery, no. 1275. |
Translation
Ἀναστασίου σκευωφύλακος.
(Seal of) Anastasios skeuophylax.
Bibliography
- Byzantine Lead Seals, Vol. 1 (Open in Zotero)
- Le Corpus des sceaux de l’empire byzantin (Open in Zotero)
Commentary
The depiction of St. Sophia on the obverse likely indicates that this is the skeuophylax of Hagia Sophia, per the suggestion of Laurent. Zacos hesitates to declare this, because depictions of Hagia Sophia also occur on seals of individuals not affiliated with the great church; nevertheless, in the case of this skeuophylax, the depiction of St. Sophia seems to be a clear statement of the seal owner's role through iconography.