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George Drosos (eleventh century, second half)

 
 

Obverse

The Mother of God standing, holding the Child in her right arm. On either side, sigla: ΜΡ̅θυ̅: Μ(ήτη)ρ Θ(εο)ῦ. Border of dots.

Reverse

Inscription of four lines, decorations above and below. Border of dots.

  
γεργ,
ροσι̣σ̣ο̣ν̣
αγνητ̣ο̣ν̣
ροσον
  

Γεώργ(ιον) δρόσισον, ἁγνή, τὸν Δρόσον

Obverse

The Mother of God standing, holding the Child in her right arm. On either side, sigla: ΜΡ̅θυ̅: Μ(ήτη)ρ Θ(εο)ῦ. Border of dots.

Reverse

Inscription of four lines, decorations above and below. Border of dots.

  
γεργ,
ροσι̣σ̣ο̣ν̣
αγνητ̣ο̣ν̣
ροσον
  

Γεώργ(ιον) δρόσισον, ἁγνή, τὸν Δρόσον

Accession number BZS.1958.106.4498
Diameter 21.0 mm; field: 19.0 mm
Previous Editions

Cf. Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden I, no. 236b. See also PBW : Georgios 108.

Translation

Γεώργιον δρόσισον, ἁγνή, τὸν Δρόσον.

Lady, bedew George Drosos.

Commentary

Note that the Greek inscription puns on the verb δροσίζω ("sprinkle") and the owner's family name Δρόσος ("dew"): "bedew George Dewey" would be an English approximation. The invocation asks the Theotokos to slake the thirst of a soul longing for her grace or protection.

Bibliography

  • Corpus der byzantinischen Siegel mit metrischen Legenden, Vol. 1, Siegellegenden von Alpha bis inclusive My (Open in Zotero)