Manuel I Komnenos (1143–1180)
Obverse
Half-length representation of a beardless Christ, wearing a tunic and himation and holding the right hand in blessing and a scroll in the left. He has a nimbus cruciger; each arm contains a decoration. Sigla visible at left and right: Ἰ(ησοῦ)ς Χ(ριστό)[ς]. Inscription in two columns: [ὁ] Ἐμμαν[ου]ή[λ]. Indeterminate border.
Reverse
The emperor Manuel standing, wearing a crown with a cross and a loros, an end of which is draped over the left wrist. He holds a labarum in the right hand and an akakia in the left. Remains of a circular inscription. Border of dots.
....ηλ.εσποτ,οπ.ρφ...........
[Μαν]ουὴλ [δ]εσπότ(ης) ὁ π[ο]ρφ[υρογέννητος]
Obverse
Half-length representation of a beardless Christ, wearing a tunic and himation and holding the right hand in blessing and a scroll in the left. He has a nimbus cruciger; each arm contains a decoration. Sigla visible at left and right: Ἰ(ησοῦ)ς Χ(ριστό)[ς]. Inscription in two columns: [ὁ] Ἐμμαν[ου]ή[λ]. Indeterminate border.
Reverse
The emperor Manuel standing, wearing a crown with a cross and a loros, an end of which is draped over the left wrist. He holds a labarum in the right hand and an akakia in the left. Remains of a circular inscription. Border of dots.
....ηλ.εσποτ,οπ.ρφ...........
[Μαν]ουὴλ [δ]εσπότ(ης) ὁ π[ο]ρφ[υρογέννητος]
Accession number | BZS.1951.31.5.1695 |
---|---|
Diameter | 34.0 mm |
Previous Editions | DO Seals 6, no. 93.5. |
Credit Line | Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore. |
Translation
Μανουὴλ δεσπότης ὁ πορφυρογέννητος.
The emperor Manuel, born in the purple.
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)
- Byzantine Lead Seals, Vol. 1 (Open in Zotero)
Commentary
It is clear that Manuel is wearing a crown surmounted by a cross, as in the case of Zacos-Veglery, no. 107c.