Leo imperial cleric and chartoularios of Saint Sophia (eleventh century)
Obverse
Bust of the Mother of God holding medallion of Christ. Tongues of fire descending to the left and right of her head. Sigla: ̅ΘΥ̅ : Μ(ήτη)ρ Θ(εο)ῦ. Border of dots.
Obverse
Bust of the Mother of God holding medallion of Christ. Tongues of fire descending to the left and right of her head. Sigla: ̅ΘΥ̅ : Μ(ήτη)ρ Θ(εο)ῦ. Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of five lines preceded and followed by indeterminate decoration. Border of dots.
λεο.τ,
̅κληρικ,
Sχαρτλ,
τησ.γι,
σοφια
Λέο[ν]τ(ι) β(ασιλικῷ) κληρικ(ῷ) (καὶ) χαρτουλ(αρίῳ) τῆς [Ἁ]γί(ας) Σοφία(ς)
Accession number | BZS.1955.1.4917 |
---|---|
Diameter | 22.0 mm |
Previous Editions | DO Seals 5 no. 42.6. |
Translation
Λέοντι βασιλικῷ κληρικῷ καὶ χαρτουλαρίῳ τῆς Ἁγίας Σοφίας.
Leo imperial cleric and chartoularios of Saint Sophia.
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)
- The Virgin with the "Tongues of Fire" on Byzantine Lead Seals (Open in Zotero)
Commentary
Concerning the artistic device of "tongues of fire," see J. Cotsonis, "The Virgin with the 'Tongues of Fire' on Byzantine Lead Seals," DOP 48 (1994): 221-27.