Johannes, vestarches, grand chartoularios and judge of the Velon and the Aegaean Sea, circa 1050-1100. Seal (Lead, 30 mm, 22.63 g, 12 h). KЄ ROHΘ Iω RЄCTAPXH M[ЄΓAΛⲰ XAPTO]VΛ, - [MHP]-ΘV The Mother of God seated on a backless throne, holding Christ before her. Rev. +KPITH [TOV RHΛOV KAI] T૪ AIΓAIOV ΠЄΛAΓOVC - Θ / Γ/Є-[ⲰPΓ,] Nimbate facing bust of Saint George, holding spear over his right shoulder and resting shield on his left arm. Cf. Jordanov, Corpus I 36.1 and below, lot 1694, for a seal of the same individual, but as judge of the Thrakesion theme. Areas of weakness, otherwise, very fine.

This interesting seal type must belong to the same individual whose seal was published by Jordanov (see below, lot 1694): the design and choice of iconography are identical. With the help of the other seals, we are able to complete the legends on this example with a high degree of certainty. The soft reverse strike likely obliterated the same judicial office: judge of the Velon, followed by the provincial appointment, which is the only difference between the two types, and the reason why Johannes commissioned a new seal. There is, however, currently no way to tell whether Johannes first served in the Thrakesion theme or of the Aegaean sea