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Iakobos Paxenos (twelfth century, first half)

 
 

Obverse

The Three Youths in the Furnace with the prophet Daniel at left. Below, a figure (likely portraying the owner of the seal) prostrated at the feet of the prophet. Epigraphy visible above: ον μ.ση : ὁ Ἀνα(νίας) Μ[ι]σαή(λ). Indistinct letters at left, likely identifying the figure as the prophet Daniel. Border of dots.

Reverse

Inscription of four lines, top line missing. A decoration below. Border of dots.

.....
πηνον
ικονμε
σκεποισ

[μάκαρ], Παξηνὸν Ἰάκωβόν με σκέποις

Obverse

The Three Youths in the Furnace with the prophet Daniel at left. Below, a figure (likely portraying the owner of the seal) prostrated at the feet of the prophet. Epigraphy visible above: ον μ.ση : ὁ Ἀνα(νίας) Μ[ι]σαή(λ). Indistinct letters at left, likely identifying the figure as the prophet Daniel. Border of dots.

Reverse

Inscription of four lines, top line missing. A decoration below. Border of dots.

.....
πηνον
ικονμε
σκεποισ

[μάκαρ], Παξηνὸν Ἰάκωβόν με σκέποις

Accession number BZS.1958.106.1841
Diameter 23.0 mm
Previous Editions

Cf. Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden II, no. 1766 (reading τριάς instead of μάκαρ in the first line of the reverse).

Translation

μάκαρ, Παξηνὸν Ἰάκωβόν με σκέποις.

Blessèd One, may you watch over me, Iakobos Paxenos.

Commentary

In her edition of this seal, Wassiliou-Seibt identifies the scene on the obverse as the Three Holy Youths (known by their Greek and Hebrew names as Ananias/Shadrach, Misael/Meshach, and Azariah/Abednego) in the Fiery Furnace, from the third chapter of the Book of Daniel. She identifies the suppliant at the feet of the prophet at left as the owner of the seal. We follow her interpretation but it is possible that the scene represents the story of St Nicholas and the three generals. Unfortunately, the parallel listed in this entry is too poorly preserved to confirm either interpretation of the obverse scene.