George Drosos (eleventh century, second half)
Obverse
The Mother of God standing, holding the Child in her right arm. On either side, sigla: ΜΡ̅θυ̅: Μ(ήτη)ρ Θ(εο)ῦ. Border of dots.
Obverse
The Mother of God standing, holding the Child in her right arm. On either side, sigla: ΜΡ̅θυ̅: Μ(ήτη)ρ Θ(εο)ῦ. Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of four lines, decorations above and below. Border of dots.
γεργ,
ροσι̣σ̣ο̣ν̣
αγνητ̣ο̣ν̣
ροσον
Γεώργ(ιον) δρόσισον, ἁγνή, τὸν Δρόσον
Accession number | BZS.1958.106.4498 |
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Diameter | 21.0 mm; field: 19.0 mm |
Previous Editions | Cf. Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden I, no. 236b. See also PBW : Georgios 108. |
Translation
Γεώργιον δρόσισον, ἁγνή, τὸν Δρόσον.
Lady, bedew George Drosos.
Bibliography
- Corpus der byzantinischen Siegel mit metrischen Legenden, Vol. 1, Siegellegenden von Alpha bis inclusive My (Open in Zotero)
Commentary
Note that the Greek inscription puns on the verb δροσίζω ("sprinkle") and the owner's family name Δρόσος ("dew"): "bedew George Dewey" would be an English approximation. The invocation asks the Theotokos to slake the thirst of a soul longing for her grace or protection.