Nikolaos Skleros, magistros, vestes and epi tou oikeiakon, 11th century. Seal (Lead, 35 mm, 30.36 g, 12 h). +CΦPAΓ, NIKOΛ, MAΓICTP, RECT૪ S ЄΠI T, OIKЄIAK, T૪ CKΛHP, - H OΔHΓHTPIA - MHP ΘV The Mother of God 'Hodegetria', nimbate, wearing chiton and maphorion, pointing with her right hand towards Infant Christ seated on her left arm. Rev. In left field: Θ - /Θ/Є/O/Δ/Ⲱ/P,; In upper field: Θ NIKO/Λ; Across upper and right fields: Θ – Γ/Є/Ⲱ/P/Γ/I, Nimbate standing figures of Saint Theodore, holding a spear in his right hand and resting his left on sword, Saint Nicholas, raising his right hand in benediction and holding book of Gospels in his left, and Saint George, holding spear in his right hand and resting his left on shield. V. Sandrovskaja: Molivdovuly dolznostyh lic Vizantii XI veka (novoe ctenie legend), in: Vspomogatelnye istoriceskie discipliny 23 (1991) 102-112, no. 3. Cf. SBS 3 (1993), p. 166. A remarkable seal of the finest style of the period, with complete legends and exceptionally well preserved. About extremely fine.


This wonderful seal shows Nikolaos Skleros' namesake, Saint Nicholas, flanked by two of Byzantium's most beloved military saints, Saint Theodore and Saint George, clearly indicating that the seal's owner was protected by all three. As epi tou oikeiakon, Nikolaos may have stood at the helm of the imperial treasury or he may have been responsible for the fisc's estates. The fine style and rich iconography of his seal not only showcase the Byzantine seal as an objet d'art, but also provide a fascinating glimpse into the pious life of Byzantium's citizens.