John sebastophoros (eleventh century, second half)
Obverse
Bust of St John Chrysostom offering a blessing with his right hand and holding the Gospels in his left. Sigla on either side: |Ι|Ο|Μ : ὁ ἅ(γιος) Ἰω(άννης) ὁ Χρ(υσόστο)μ(ος). Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of four lines beginning with a cross. Border of dots.
ΚΕΘ,
Τ̣Σ
ΙΣΕΣ
ΤΟΡ
Κ(ύρι)ε β(οή)θ(ει) τῷ σῷ δού(λῳ) Ιω(άννῃ) σεβαστωφόρ(ῳ)
Obverse
Bust of St John Chrysostom offering a blessing with his right hand and holding the Gospels in his left. Sigla on either side: |Ι|Ο|Μ : ὁ ἅ(γιος) Ἰω(άννης) ὁ Χρ(υσόστο)μ(ος). Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of four lines beginning with a cross. Border of dots.
ΚΕΘ,
Τ̣Σ
ΙΣΕΣ
ΤΟΡ
Κ(ύρι)ε β(οή)θ(ει) τῷ σῷ δού(λῳ) Ιω(άννῃ) σεβαστωφόρ(ῳ)
| Accession number | BZS.1951.31.5.1457 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 20.0 mm |
| Credit Line | Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore. |
Translation
Κύριε βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλῳ Ιωάννῃ σεβαστωφόρῳ.
Lord, help your servant John, sebastophoros.
Commentary
It is possible that this seal belonged to John Pepagomenos, attested as sebastophoros during the trial of John Italos in 1082. See PBW: Ioannes 497.