Michael Perdikes, vestes (eleventh century, second half)
Obverse
Bust of the Mother of God orans, the medallion of Christ before her. Sigla preserved at right : Θ̅ : [Μ(ήτηρ)] Θ(εοῦ). Linear border.
Reverse
Inscription of five lines, with a cross above. Linear border.
δεσπο.
νσκ..
μιε..
τ...
δικ̣η̣
Δέσπο[ι]να, σκ[έπ(οις)] Μιχ(αὴλ) βέ[στ(ῃ)] τῷ [Περ]δίκῃ
Obverse
Bust of the Mother of God orans, the medallion of Christ before her. Sigla preserved at right : Θ̅ : [Μ(ήτηρ)] Θ(εοῦ). Linear border.
Reverse
Inscription of five lines, with a cross above. Linear border.
δεσπο.
νσκ..
μιε..
τ...
δικ̣η̣
Δέσπο[ι]να, σκ[έπ(οις)] Μιχ(αὴλ) βέ[στ(ῃ)] τῷ [Περ]δίκῃ
| Accession number | BZS.1951.31.5.3669 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.0 mm; field: 15.0 mm |
| Condition | Corroded. |
| Previous Editions | This seal should be added to the entry in Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden I, no. 617. |
| Credit Line | Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore. |
Translation
Δέσποινα, σκέποις Μιχαὴλ βέστῃ τῷ Περδίκῃ.
Lady, may you protect Michael Perdikes, vestes.
Commentary
The inscription begins as a metrical verse but becomes prosaic when adjusted to include the owner's title.