John Pantechnes (twelfth century, second half)
Obverse
Standing figure of the Mother of God (Hagiosoritissa) turned to her left, her hands raised towards an indistinct image of Christ. Sigla preserved on either side: ̅ΘΥ̅: Μή(τη)ρ Θ(εο)ῦ. Remnants of an inscription on the right: ΣΟ|ΡΙ|ΤΙ|ΣΣΑ: [Ἁγιο]σορίτισσα. Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of seven lines, bottom line missing. Border of dots.
Γ̣...
Π̣ΑΝΑΓΝΕ̣
Π̣ΛΗΜΜΕΛΗ
Μ̣ΑΤΝΛΥΣΙΣ̣
ΣΤΡΣΥΔΙΔ̣
ΠΑΝΤ̣Ε̣Χ̣..
..
γ[ίνου], Πάναγνε, πλημμελημάτων λύσις. Σ(ῶ)τ(ε)ρ, σὺ δίδου Παντεχ[νῇ Ἰω(άννῃ)]
Obverse
Standing figure of the Mother of God (Hagiosoritissa) turned to her left, her hands raised towards an indistinct image of Christ. Sigla preserved on either side: ̅ΘΥ̅: Μή(τη)ρ Θ(εο)ῦ. Remnants of an inscription on the right: ΣΟ|ΡΙ|ΤΙ|ΣΣΑ: [Ἁγιο]σορίτισσα. Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of seven lines, bottom line missing. Border of dots.
Γ̣...
Π̣ΑΝΑΓΝΕ̣
Π̣ΛΗΜΜΕΛΗ
Μ̣ΑΤΝΛΥΣΙΣ̣
ΣΤΡΣΥΔΙΔ̣
ΠΑΝΤ̣Ε̣Χ̣..
..
γ[ίνου], Πάναγνε, πλημμελημάτων λύσις. Σ(ῶ)τ(ε)ρ, σὺ δίδου Παντεχ[νῇ Ἰω(άννῃ)]
| Accession number | BZS.1951.31.5.1002 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.0 mm |
| Previous Editions | Cf. Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden II, no. 1750. |
| Credit Line | Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore. |
Translation
γίνου, Πάναγνε, πλημμελημάτων λύσις. Σῶτερ, σὺ δίδου Παντεχνῇ Ἰωάννῃ.
All-holy One, be our release from sins. Saviour, grant this to John Pantechnes.
Bibliography
- Corpus der byzantinischen Siegel mit metrischen Legenden, Vol. 2, Siegellegenden von Ny bis inklusive Sphragis (Open in Zotero)
Commentary
The reading of the inscription is not entirely certain; it has been restored by comparison with an unpublished parallel noted in Wassiliou-Seibt's catalogue entry.
The inscription consists of two prayers linked to the image on the obverse: the first is to the Mother of God asking for release from sins, the second to Christ (addressed as the Saviour) asking that the first prayer be granted.