The orphanotrophos (eleventh/twelfth century)
Obverse
Half-length of St Paul, turned slightly to his left, holding a book in his left hand (or writing); details indistinct. On either side, sigla: ο̣|α̣|γ|ι|ο|σ̣π|αυ|λο|σ : ὁ ἅγιος Παύλος. Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of five lines, a cross above. Border of dots.
σφργισ
μτουτι̣
σεπτονορ
φνοτρ̣ο
φου
σφράγισμα τουτὶ σεπτὸν ὀρφανοτρόφου
Obverse
Half-length of St Paul, turned slightly to his left, holding a book in his left hand (or writing); details indistinct. On either side, sigla: ο̣|α̣|γ|ι|ο|σ̣π|αυ|λο|σ : ὁ ἅγιος Παύλος. Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of five lines, a cross above. Border of dots.
σφργισ
μτουτι̣
σεπτονορ
φνοτρ̣ο
φου
σφράγισμα τουτὶ σεπτὸν ὀρφανοτρόφου
| Accession number | BZS.1951.31.5.1207 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 34.0 mm; field: 30.0 mm |
| Previous Editions | See John W. Nesbitt, "The Orphanotrophos: Some observations on the history of the office in light of seals," SBS 8 (2003), 62. |
Translation
σφράγισμα τουτὶ σεπτὸν ὀρφανοτρόφου.
The august seal of the Orphanotrophos.
Commentary
An unusual inscription made more interesting by its anonymity and arrangement into a twelve-syllable verse. The adjective σεπτόν agrees with σφράγισμα but seems to be a transferred epithet emphasizing the prestige of the owner's office.