(Michael?) Strephnos, vestiarios (twelfth century, second half)
Obverse
Two standing saints. The figure on the left, holding a spear and shield, is identified as St. Theodore (no epigraphy is visible). With his hands raised in supplication is St. Hyacinth on the right, standing beside a tree. Epigraphy on the right: |ι|κιν|θο|σ: ὁ ἅ(γιος) Ἱάκινθος. Border of dots.
Obverse
Two standing saints. The figure on the left, holding a spear and shield, is identified as St. Theodore (no epigraphy is visible). With his hands raised in supplication is St. Hyacinth on the right, standing beside a tree. Epigraphy on the right: |ι|κιν|θο|σ: ὁ ἅ(γιος) Ἱάκινθος. Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of five lines, a cross above. Border of dots.
στρεν.
σφργισ̣
πευκ
εστι.
ριου
Στρεφν[οῦ] σφραγὶς πέφυκα βεστι[α]ρίου
Accession number | BZS.1958.106.5702 |
---|---|
Diameter | 27.0 mm |
Previous Editions | Cf. Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden II, no. 2282. |
Credit Line | Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore. |
Translation
Στρεφνοῦ σφραγὶς πέφυκα βεστιαρίου.
I am the seal of Strephnos, vestiarios.
Bibliography
- Corpus der byzantinischen Siegel mit metrischen Legenden, Vol. 2, Siegellegenden von Ny bis inklusive Sphragis (Open in Zotero)
Commentary
Despite the difference in the rendering of the name (Strephnos/Stryphnos), this seal likely belonged to Michael Stryphnos, attested as a sebastos and grand doux of the fleet in the last decade of the twelfth century. See Wassiliou-Seibt's commentary on this seal and on BZS.1951.31.5.534 (Siegel mit metrischen Legenden II, no. 2362).