Anonymous (eleventh century)
Obverse
Bust of the Virgin holding a medallion of Christ before her; the “Tongues of Fire” above the sigla. Sigla preserved at right: Θ̣̅Υ : [Μ(ήτη)ρ] Θ(εο)ῦ. Border of dots.
Reverse
Bust of St John the Baptist, blessing with his right hand and holding a long cross-staff in his left. Inscription in two columns; partially preserved at left: ̣|Ι̣̅. : ὁ ἅ(γιος) Ἰ[ω(άννης) ὁ Πρόδρομος]. Border of dots.
Obverse
Bust of the Virgin holding a medallion of Christ before her; the “Tongues of Fire” above the sigla. Sigla preserved at right: Θ̣̅Υ : [Μ(ήτη)ρ] Θ(εο)ῦ. Border of dots.
Reverse
Bust of St John the Baptist, blessing with his right hand and holding a long cross-staff in his left. Inscription in two columns; partially preserved at left: ̣|Ι̣̅. : ὁ ἅ(γιος) Ἰ[ω(άννης) ὁ Πρόδρομος]. Border of dots.
| Accession number | BZS.1951.31.5.3440 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 23.0 mm |
| Previous Editions | DO Seals 7, no. 9.5 (dated to the middle of the eleventh century). |
| Credit Line | Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore. |
Bibliography
- Catalogue of Byzantine Seals at Dumbarton Oaks and in the Fogg Museum of Art, Volume 7: The Iconographic Seals (Open in Zotero)
Commentary
On the "Tongues of Fire" accompanying the image of the Mother of God on seals, see the commentary to BZS.1955.1.1822 and BZS.1977.34.17 (linked to this entry).