Anonymous (twelfth century, second half)
Obverse
The Virgin orans. Sigla: Μ̅Θ̅ : Μ(ήτηρ) Θ(εοῦ). Indeterminate border.
Reverse
Portrait of a male saint; the left side of the image is effaced; the hands are obscured. Inscription in two columns (only right survives): Μ|ΑΣ : [ὁ ἅ(γιος) Κοσ]μᾶς (St Kosmas); or [ὁ ἅ(γιος) Ἀκεψι]μᾶς (St Akepsimas). Indeterminate border.
Obverse
The Virgin orans. Sigla: Μ̅Θ̅ : Μ(ήτηρ) Θ(εοῦ). Indeterminate border.
Reverse
Portrait of a male saint; the left side of the image is effaced; the hands are obscured. Inscription in two columns (only right survives): Μ|ΑΣ : [ὁ ἅ(γιος) Κοσ]μᾶς (St Kosmas); or [ὁ ἅ(γιος) Ἀκεψι]μᾶς (St Akepsimas). Indeterminate border.
| Accession number | BZS.1955.1.1914 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 15.0 mm |
| Previous Editions | DO Seals 7. 5.94. |
Bibliography
- Catalogue of Byzantine Seals at Dumbarton Oaks and in the Fogg Museum of Art, Volume 7: The Iconographic Seals (Open in Zotero)
Commentary
The figure on the reverse appears to be bearded and so cannot be the apostle Thomas who is always depicted as a beardless youth. The portrait could be that of the unmercenary healing saint, Kosmas, who is always represented as bearded. However, on the figure’s left shoulder there appears to be the remains of a hierarch’s omophorion, and in that case the image could be that of the saintly bishop, Akepsimas, as in BZS.1955.1.1861.