BYZANTINE SEALS. Niketas Anzas, patrikios and dikaspolos of the theme of Boleron, circa 2nd half of the 12th century. Seal or Bulla (Lead, 27,5 mm, 17.99 g, 12 h), Didymoteichon?. MHP - ΘY Nimbate and draped half length bust of the Virgin Mary, facing slightly to right, presenting the youthful Christ on her left, nimbate, holding an akakia and rising his right hand in benediction. Rev. ΦΡΟΥΡ, / ΤΟΝ ΑΝΖΑΝ ΠPI NIKHTA / TON TOY ΘΕΜΑ/TOC BOΛΕΡ, / ΔΙΚΑCΠO/ΛΟΝ = guard Niketas Anzas, patrikios and dikaspolos of the Boleron theme in seven lines within a border of dots. Apparently unpublished and unknown. Nomos 24 (2022) 470 (but from a different boulloterion!!). Otherwise apparently unpublished and unknown, but cf. Nesbitt-Seibt, Anzas 18.13 a-c for seals of Niketas Anzas as Chartoularios of the West. A beautiful and very unusual depiction of Virgin Mary with the young, rather than the infant, Jesus by her side. A few deposits, otherwise, very fine.

From the B.L collection.