Anonymous (eleventh century, second half)
Obverse
Τhe Virgin orans with a medallion of Christ before her. Sigla: ̣̅ΘΥ̣ : Μ(ήτη)ρ Θ(εο)ῦ. Border of dots.
Reverse
St Ignatios Theophoros, holding a small cross before him. Inscription in two columns: |Η̣Γ̣|.̣|.Ο|ΘΕ|Ο|ΟΡ, : ὁ ἅ(γιος) Ἠγ[ν]ά[τ](ιος) ὁ Θεοφόρ(ος). Border of dots.
Obverse
Τhe Virgin orans with a medallion of Christ before her. Sigla: ̣̅ΘΥ̣ : Μ(ήτη)ρ Θ(εο)ῦ. Border of dots.
Reverse
St Ignatios Theophoros, holding a small cross before him. Inscription in two columns: |Η̣Γ̣|.̣|.Ο|ΘΕ|Ο|ΟΡ, : ὁ ἅ(γιος) Ἠγ[ν]ά[τ](ιος) ὁ Θεοφόρ(ος). Border of dots.
| Accession number | BZS.1951.31.5.3463 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.0 mm; field: 14.0 mm |
| Previous Editions | DO Seals 7, no. 10.62. |
| 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
There appears to be traces of an episcopal omophorion over Ignatios’ left shoulder and the remains of a small martyr’s cross held in his right hand. The epithet Theophoros, “God-bearer,” is applied to St Ignatios, the bishop of Antioch who was brought to Rome and martyred in 107. His commemoration is on 20 December (Syn. Eccl. CP, 329-330). If this identification of the figure is correct then this is the only known example of St Ignatios depicted on a seal. For more recent discussion of this saint and his image, see Cutler- Ševčenko, “St. Ignatios,” 113-127.