French Medieval Vesica-Shaped Seal Matrix for Radalph de Saint Dionisi
Circa 14th century A.D. A bronze vesica seal matrix with vertical strap and pierced lug to the reverse; field with pelletted border enclosing an incuse frond with addorsed birds perching at sides; border with pointillé edges enclosing Lombardic script legend + S' RADALPHI DE SCO DIONISIO CLICI (seal of Randolph, cleric of St. Denis). 11.2 grams, 34 mm (1 3/8 in.). The Matrix Collection, formed by David Morris since the late 1980s.Acquired Libert, October 2008, lot 60.Matrix Collection catalogue no.2517.Many of the seals within the collection were published in a book titled 'The Matrix Collection', by David Morris in 2012.Accompanied by a copy of the illustrated collection notes. The abbreviation 'CLICI' stands for 'clerici' (of a cleric); 'SCO' for 'Sancto' (saint). The church of St. Denis, Paris, is the resting place of many French royalty.