Anonymous (eleventh/twelfth century)
Obverse
Bust of the Evangelist Luke holding his Gospel in his left arm. On either side, epigraphy: |λ|ο.κ|α|σ : ὁ ἅγιος Λο[υ]κάς. Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of five lines. Border of dots.
Θην
ορ
ησραγισ
μοιγραμ
ματν
Θηβῶν ὁ φωστὴρ ἡ σφραγὶς μοι γραμμάτων
Obverse
Bust of the Evangelist Luke holding his Gospel in his left arm. On either side, epigraphy: |λ|ο.κ|α|σ : ὁ ἅγιος Λο[υ]κάς. Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of five lines. Border of dots.
Θην
ορ
ησραγισ
μοιγραμ
ματν
Θηβῶν ὁ φωστὴρ ἡ σφραγὶς μοι γραμμάτων
| Accession number | BZS.1951.31.5.2053 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 20.0 mm |
| Previous Editions | Cf. Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden I, no. 945. |
| Credit Line | Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore. |
Translation
Θηβῶν ὁ φωστὴρ ἡ σφραγὶς μοι γραμμάτων.
The splendor of Thebes is the seal of my letters.
Commentary
Note the inscription's reference to St. Luke as the "splendor of Thebes" (Θηβῶν ὁ φωστήρ) -- the Evangelist is the patron saint of the city and his tomb is located there.