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Niketas, Proedros and Doux of Antioch, 1034

1 box
Item Number:
2
Collection Creator:
Princeton University. Library. Special Collections
Dates:
1034
Located In:
Box 1
Extent:
1 box
Languages:
English
Scope and Contents

Obverse: Full-length portrait of Virgin, holding Christ in left hand. Reverse: Inscription in six lines.

Θεοτόκε βοήθει Νικήτᾳ προέδρῳ και δουκὶ Ἀντιοχείας

This Niketas should be identified as the brother of the emperor Michael IV (1034-1041). The Orghidan seal is in much worse condition, and does not include a legible inscription on the obverse. In addition, the reverse inscription is "Κύριε βοήθει"; that is, it lacks the initial theta. Laurent read a cross, which this specimen should allow us to reject in favor of Θεοτόκε. Finally, it should be noted that the obverse inscription, Ἡ Νικόποιος, which does agree with the Laurent specimen, does not match the iconography, which is the Hodogetria type. There is some disagreement over whether or not these types should be identified in the absence of an inscription, and so this mismatch is the more noteworthy. The Nikopoios icon depicts the Virgin holding a medallion of Christ in front of her chest.

Access Restrictions:
The collection is open for research.
Credit this material:

Niketas, Proedros and Doux of Antioch; Byzantine Seals Collection, C1460, Manuscripts Division, Department of Special Collections, Princeton University Library

Storage Note:
Firestone Library (mss): Box 1
System Identifier:
/repositories/5/archival_objects/849019

Collection Overview

Collection Description & Creator Information

Description:

Consists of six Byzantine lead seals: 1) anonymous, 13th century (middle-second half), 24-syllable metrical seal; 2) Niketas, proedros and doux of Antioch, 1034 A.D; 3) Thoros I Roupenids, 13th century (first third), 24-syllable metrical seal; 4) John, metropolitan of Sardis, 11th century; 5) bust of St. Nicholas, 11th (mid) - 12th (early) century, 24-syllable metrical seal; 6) John, logariastes of the Tropaiophoros (St. George of Mangana), 11th century (last third).

Collection History

Archival Appraisal Information:

No materials were separated during 2014 processing.

Access & Use

Access Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Conditions for Reproduction and Use:

Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. No further photoduplication of copies of material in the collection can be made when Princeton University Library does not own the original. Inquiries regarding publishing material from the collection should be directed to RBSC Public Services staff through the Ask Us! form. The library has no information on the status of literary rights in the collection and researchers are responsible for determining any questions of copyright.

Credit this material:

Niketas, Proedros and Doux of Antioch; Byzantine Seals Collection, C1460, Manuscripts Division, Department of Special Collections, Princeton University Library

Location:
Firestone Library
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Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
(609) 258-3184
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Storage Note:
Firestone Library (mss): Box 1

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Bibliography

Parallel: Laurent, Orghidan no. 198