Michael (eleventh century)
Obverse
Inscription of five lines, a cross between dots above. Border of dots.
σΦραγ,
ραχεια
μιχαη.
τυπου
μ.νη
σφραγ(ὶς) βραχεῖα Μιχαὴ[λ] τυπουμ[έ]νη
Obverse
Inscription of five lines, a cross between dots above. Border of dots.
σΦραγ,
ραχεια
μιχαη.
τυπου
μ.νη
σφραγ(ὶς) βραχεῖα Μιχαὴ[λ] τυπουμ[έ]νη
Reverse
Inscription of five lines, a decoration above. Border of dots.
γραφα,
εαιοι
.αιρεου
σα,γησυ
λην
γραφὰ(ς) βεβαιοῖ καὶ ῥέουσα(ν) γῆς ὕλην
Accession number | BZS.1958.106.1473 |
---|---|
Diameter | 18.0 mm; field: 14.0 mm |
Previous Editions | Laurent, Bulles métriques, no. 384 (misread); cf. Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden II, no. 2370. |
Translation
σφραγὶς βραχεῖα Μιχαὴλ τυπουμένη γραφὰς βεβαιοῖ καὶ ῥέουσαν γῆς ὕλην.
The small seal struck by Michael confirms his writings and the transience of the material world.
Bibliography
- Corpus der byzantinischen Siegel mit metrischen Legenden, Vol. 2, Siegellegenden von Ny bis inklusive Sphragis (Open in Zotero)
- Les bulles métriques dans la sigillographie byzantine (Open in Zotero)
Commentary
An unusual and artfully crafted metrical inscription which dwells on the brevity or impermanence of this life. The first words (σφραγὶς βραχεῖα) can be taken to mean a small seal (as this is) and a concise inscription; the seal itself claims to confirm its owner's writings and the transience of the material world (ῥέουσαν γῆς ὕλην).