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Constantine IX Monomachos (1042-1055)

 
 

Obverse

Half-length representation of Christ Emmanuel wearing a tunic and himation. He offers a blessing with the right hand and holds in the left a book with a cover ornamented in center with two pellets. He has a nimbus cruciger; each arm contains a decoration consisting of five pellets. Sigla at left and right: (ησοῦ)ς [Χ(ριστό)ς]. Circular inscription. Border of dots.

ΕΜΜΑ....

Ἐμμαν[ουήλ]

Reverse

Half-length representation of Constantine IX bearded, wearing a crown with a cross and pendilia and a loros. He is shown holding a long cross scepter in the right hand and a globus cruciger in the left. Circular inscription. Border of dots.

.......,,AOCRA,

[Cωnstan]t(i)n(os) autocrat(or)

Obverse

Half-length representation of Christ Emmanuel wearing a tunic and himation. He offers a blessing with the right hand and holds in the left a book with a cover ornamented in center with two pellets. He has a nimbus cruciger; each arm contains a decoration consisting of five pellets. Sigla at left and right: (ησοῦ)ς [Χ(ριστό)ς]. Circular inscription. Border of dots.

ΕΜΜΑ....

Ἐμμαν[ουήλ]

Reverse

Half-length representation of Constantine IX bearded, wearing a crown with a cross and pendilia and a loros. He is shown holding a long cross scepter in the right hand and a globus cruciger in the left. Circular inscription. Border of dots.

.......,,AOCRA,

[Cωnstan]t(i)n(os) autocrat(or)

Accession number BZS.1951.31.5.1666
Diameter 38.0 mm; field: 28.0 mm
Previous Editions

DO Seals 6, no. 73.7.

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

Translation

Cωnstantinos autocrator.

Constantine, autocrator.

Commentary

The Christ figure has been carefully carved. One notes the continuous row of folds on the right shoulder and the sharp delineation of the book fastening.

Bibliography

  • Catalogue of Byzantine Seals at Dumbarton Oaks and in the Fogg Museum of Art, Vol. 6, Emperors, Patriarchs of Constantinople, Addenda (Open in Zotero)