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Michael skeuophylax and . . . of St. Demetrios (tenth/eleventh century)

 
 

Obverse

Bust of St. Demetrios holding a spear in his right hand and an oblong shield in his left. Columnar inscription visible at right: Τ|Ρ|Ι|Ο, : [Ὁ ἅ(γιος) Δημή]τριο(ς). Border of dots.

Reverse

Inscription of six lines. Border of dots.

κε,θ,
μχησκε
φυλαS
.οαΦεσαν
.αγ,δη,
τρι

Κ(ύρι)ε β(οή)θ(ει) Μ(ι)χ(α)ὴ(λ) σκε(υ)ωφύλα(κι) (καὶ) . . . τ(οῦ) ἁγ(ί)ου Δη(μη)τρίου

Obverse

Bust of St. Demetrios holding a spear in his right hand and an oblong shield in his left. Columnar inscription visible at right: Τ|Ρ|Ι|Ο, : [Ὁ ἅ(γιος) Δημή]τριο(ς). Border of dots.

Reverse

Inscription of six lines. Border of dots.

κε,θ,
μχησκε
φυλαS
.οαΦεσαν
.αγ,δη,
τρι

Κ(ύρι)ε β(οή)θ(ει) Μ(ι)χ(α)ὴ(λ) σκε(υ)ωφύλα(κι) (καὶ) . . . τ(οῦ) ἁγ(ί)ου Δη(μη)τρίου

Accession number BZS.1951.31.5.3629
Diameter 21.0 mm
Previous Editions

DO Seals 5 no. 73.1.

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

Translation

Κύριε βοήθει Μιχαὴλ σκευωφύλακι καὶ . . . τοῦ ἁγίου Δημητρίου.

Lord, help Michael skeuophylax and . . . of St. Demetrios.

Commentary

Zacos (Seals II, no. 731) has published a seal decorated with a bust of St. Demetrios on the obverse and an inscription on the reverse identifying the owner as Theodore monk and hegoumenos of St. Demetrios.

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)
  • Byzantine Lead Seals, Vol. 2 (Open in Zotero)