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Description: | A complete cast copper-alloy medieval seal matrix of pointed oval form (dating from the 13th or 14th century AD). It features a semicircular loop at the upper end of the back, with rib running the length of the seal from the loop. The die features a Lamb of God standing left on the matrix (facing right on the impression) with a rearward facing head. The lamb is within an incised line border. The lamb (Agnus Dei) is looking at a staff with a cross at the top and a double pennant flag below. One of the lamb's forelegs is folded under him, taken to represent genuflection. The personal legend reads: * S' R. A - (M or N) ERI DE SKIPTONA (Seal of R... of Skipton) The artefact has a dark brown patina.Cherry (in Saunders ed. 1991, 32; ref. 13) notes that seals with this device were relatively common in the 14th century, with popularity perhaps peaking in the 1330s; many have been recorded on this database, but are more commonly of the pedestal form, with a handle.Irene Szymanski writes that: The central lamb with a banner was a symbol of the Church; it is a visual representation of the words of John the Baptist on seeing the approaching Christ (John 1:29), 'Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!' (Vulgate Latin: ecce agnus Dei qui tollit peccatum mundi), augmented by the concept of the sacrificial lamb (e.g., Abraham and Isaac: Genesis 22:1-13). The representation of Christ as a lamb was well known before the Conquest across Europe; it is found in a wide variety of forms. Widely used in church decoration, and often survives in roof bosses, e.g., Lincoln, south aisle of nave. Legends around this device vary; one of the most common is "ECCE AGNES DEI", others include "PRIVE SV" (IHS-2FA644); but they are rarely personal. The owner is likely to have been a cleric or priest due to the symbolism of the lamb and banner; the banner denoted the physical presence of the owner on the battlefield, and acted as a rallying-point for troops; by analogy here, the banner denotes the presence of God in the Church, and the cleric calls men to God.Compare HAMP-317264, SOM-A9AFB4 and NMS-C93A82.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
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