Michael (Gabras), protosebastos (twelfth century, second half)
Obverse
Standing image of St George holding a spear and shield. Traces of the name Γεώργιος are visible at right. Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of six lines. A cross above. Border of dots.
ΠΡΤΟΝΣΕ
ΣΦΡ
ΓΙΣΙΓΡΦ
ΜΙΧ̣̣Η̣ΛΓ̣.Μ̣Ρ̣Ο̣Ν̣
ΥΤ̣ΝΚΤΟΣ
...ΠΟΤ
πρῶτον σεβαστῶν ἡ σφραγὶς διαγράφει Μιχαὴλ γ[α]μβρὸν αὐτάνακτος [δεσ]πότ(ου)
Obverse
Standing image of St George holding a spear and shield. Traces of the name Γεώργιος are visible at right. Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of six lines. A cross above. Border of dots.
ΠΡΤΟΝΣΕ
ΣΦΡ
ΓΙΣΙΓΡΦ
ΜΙΧ̣̣Η̣ΛΓ̣.Μ̣Ρ̣Ο̣Ν̣
ΥΤ̣ΝΚΤΟΣ
...ΠΟΤ
πρῶτον σεβαστῶν ἡ σφραγὶς διαγράφει Μιχαὴλ γ[α]μβρὸν αὐτάνακτος [δεσ]πότ(ου)
| Accession number | BZS.1951.31.5.1094 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.0 mm |
| Previous Editions | Cf. Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden II, no. 1863b. |
| Credit Line | Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore. |
Translation
πρῶτον σεβαστῶν ἡ σφραγὶς διαγράφει Μιχαὴλ γαμβρὸν αὐτάνακτος δεσπότου.
The seal presents the protosebastos Michael, in-law of the reigning emperor.
Bibliography
- Corpus der byzantinischen Siegel mit metrischen Legenden, Vol. 2, Siegellegenden von Ny bis inklusive Sphragis (Open in Zotero)
Commentary
The owner of this seal is most likely to be identified as Michael Gabras; the announcement in the inscription that he is the "in-law" of the reigning emperor aligns with the Michael Gabras who married Eudokia Komnene, the niece of the emperor Manuel I Komnenos, about the year 1162. See Wassiliou-Seibt's commentary to the catalogue entry noted above. See also PBW : Michael 17005.