Anonymous (eleventh century)
Obverse
Bust of the Virgin orans. Sigla: ̅Θ̅Υ̣ : Μή(τη)ρ Θ(εο)ῦ. Border of dots.
Reverse
Bust of St Stephen. His right hand is effaced but likely holds the martyr's cross. In his left hand he holds either a pyx or an incense box. Inscription in two columns: |ΣΤ|Ε|Φ|Ο̣|ΣΟ|ΠΡ|Ο|Τ|Ρ|Τ, : ὁ ἅ(γιος) Στέφανος ὁ Προτωμάρτ(υς). Border of dots.
Obverse
Bust of the Virgin orans. Sigla: ̅Θ̅Υ̣ : Μή(τη)ρ Θ(εο)ῦ. Border of dots.
Reverse
Bust of St Stephen. His right hand is effaced but likely holds the martyr's cross. In his left hand he holds either a pyx or an incense box. Inscription in two columns: |ΣΤ|Ε|Φ|Ο̣|ΣΟ|ΠΡ|Ο|Τ|Ρ|Τ, : ὁ ἅ(γιος) Στέφανος ὁ Προτωμάρτ(υς). Border of dots.
| Accession number | BZS.1958.106.5618 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 31.0 mm; field: 24.0 mm |
| Previous Editions | DO Seals 7, 5.86 (dated to the mid-eleventh century). |
Bibliography
- Catalogue of Byzantine Seals at Dumbarton Oaks and in the Fogg Museum of Art, Volume 7: The Iconographic Seals (Open in Zotero)
Commentary
St Stephen, one of the first seven deacons and the first Christian martyr, is identified as protomartys on just six of the 71 seals in the published collections. He is usually portrayed as youthful, beardless, and with short hair. When shown standing, he holds a censer, and, as on this seal, holds a small cross, the attribute of a martyr.