411-416

The Representation of the Eagle on Lead Seals and its Provenance

Articles

• Κολτσίδα - Μακρή, Ιωάννα
• ΚΟΛΤΣΙΔΑ-ΜΑΚΡΗ, Ιωάννα

Represented on an appreciable number of lead seals, dated from the mid-sixth to the mid-eighth century, is the interesting device of the eagle with open and upturned wings (Fig. 1). Incised in the field of the flan, between the outspread wings, is either a small cross, or a cruciform invocatory monogram of the type "Θεοτόκε βοήθει" (Ο Mother of God help), or a cruciform monogram which is analysed as the name or the office of the owner of the seal. Research into the published material of this type leads us to propose a correlation between appointment to consular office and the representation of the eagle. Comparisons are made with similar eagle representations on objects other than lead seals, which are associated with the office, such as: a) rare silver tetradrachms of the Roman emperors Caracalla (Figs 2 and 3) and Macrinus, on which are inscribed the regnal year and the consular and magisterial authority. The coins are dated between 215 and 218 AD, a period in which the office of consul was tantamount to that of emperor; b) consular diptychs of the sixth century, on which the consul represented holds in his right hand a sceptre topped by an eagle with outspread wings. The image is remarkably similar to that on contemporary lead seals. The specific sceptre was called scipio and refers to the "Roman sceptres" mentioned by Constantine Porphyrogennetus and which were a survival of the ancient insignia of consuls; c) medallions, consular solidi and folks of Tiberius II Constantine (578-582), Maurice (582-602), Phocas (602-610) and Philippicus Bardanes (711- 713) (Figs 4-6), on which the emperors are portrayed holding the consular scipio, while the minting of these coins coincides with their term of consulship. Bird representations are symbolic both in Antiquity (Figs 7 and 8) and in Roman and Early Byzantine times. The correlation of imagery and symbolism leads easily to the conclusion that the representation of the eagle on early lead seals of Byzantine officials is a survival of the old Roman emblem. The legend that the eagle is a symbol of divine will and imperial power was rekindled in Christian worship and its representation in the Early Byzantine period continued to transmit the same message as in the pre-Christian era. The consular scipio should be considered the source of inspiration for the representation, from which the image was isolated and used independently. It was particularly popular in consular circles and was probably used only by them initially, whereas its use spread subsequently to other officials, mainly because of the subject's allegorical connotations.

• History and Archaeology
• Arts

• Τέχνη
• Ιστορία

• http://ejournals.epublishing.ekt.gr/index.php/deltion/article/view/4145
• http://dx.doi.org/10.12681/dchae.399