Johannes Doukas, kaisar, 1060-1071. Seal (Lead, 34 mm, 29.21 g, 12 h). +ΘKЄ ROHΘЄI Tω Cω Δ૪Λω - MHP-ΘV Nimbate Theotokos “Nikopoios”, holding medallion of Christ with both hands. Rev. Iω Tω ЄVTVXЄCTAT, KAICAPI ("John, the most fortunate kaisar") Facing bust of Johannes, bearded, holding cross in his right hand and wearing stephanos surmounted by cross, divisiton and richly ornamented chlamys which is fastened with a fibula over his right shoulder. Zacos/Veglery 2683. A large and impressive seal naming one of the most intriguing figures in Byzantine history. Somewhat rough, otherwise, very fine.

John Doukas was the sole brother of the emperor Constantine X (1059-1067), who elevated him to the rank of kaisar in 1060. Contemporary sources usually speak quite favorably about him and simply call him 'the Kaisar'. In 1071, upon the ascension of his nephew Michael VII to the throne, John became the tutor of the new emperor and acquired the special dignity of basileopator. A few years later, he became involved in a plot against the emperor, but the conspiracy was discovered and John was arrested (see below, lot 1573). To avoid punishment, he became a monk and entered Constantinopolis in 1075 in monastic garb. We can trace John's career through his seals, which fall into three distinct groups: the first, to which our seal belongs, dates to 1060-1071 and mentions the title of kaisar and the epithet eutychestatos, “most fortunate”. The second, dated to 1071-circa 1074, mentions the dignity of basileopator (Zacos/Veglery 2684). Lastly, there is a third group, which was produced from circa 1075 until his passing in circa 1088, recording the names and titles Ignatios, monachos and kaisar