Anonymous (eleventh century)
Obverse
St Eustathios standing, holding a martyr's cross in his right hand. Before him, one of his two sons (Agapios), likewise holding a martyr's cross in his right hand. Sigla on either side : Ο̣|Α̣|.|.|Ο̣Ε.|Σ..|ΘΙ|ΟΣ : ὁ ἅ[γι]ο[ς] Ε[ὐ]σ[τά]θιος. Border of dots.
Reverse
St Theopiste standing, holding a martyr's cross in her right hand. Before her, one of her two sons (Theopistos), also holding a martyr's cross in his right hand. Sigla on either side: η|α|γι|αθ|ε.|πι̣|στ|η : ἡ ἁγία Θε[ο]πίστη. Border of dots.
Obverse
St Eustathios standing, holding a martyr's cross in his right hand. Before him, one of his two sons (Agapios), likewise holding a martyr's cross in his right hand. Sigla on either side : Ο̣|Α̣|.|.|Ο̣Ε.|Σ..|ΘΙ|ΟΣ : ὁ ἅ[γι]ο[ς] Ε[ὐ]σ[τά]θιος. Border of dots.
Reverse
St Theopiste standing, holding a martyr's cross in her right hand. Before her, one of her two sons (Theopistos), also holding a martyr's cross in his right hand. Sigla on either side: η|α|γι|αθ|ε.|πι̣|στ|η : ἡ ἁγία Θε[ο]πίστη. Border of dots.
| Accession number | BZS.1951.31.5.3566 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.0 mm |
| Credit Line | Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore. |
Commentary
This is a rare and remarkable example of a seal depicting the second century A.D. Roman soldier St Eustathios who was martyred along with his wife and two sons.