Nomos 11

BYZANTINE SEALS, Imperial Court. Alexius Comnenus, 12th century. Seal or Bulla (Lead, 39 mm, 44.85 g, 12 h), an official seal of a non-imperial member of the Comnenus family. Η ΑΓΙ/Α ΑΝ/Α -CΤΑ/CΙC Scene of the Anastasis, the Resurrection: Christ, nimbate and holding patriarchal cross, striding over the broken gates of Hell and drawing up Adam, kneeling on the left; behind Adam, a draped figure of Eve; on the right, two half-length facing imperial figures. Rev. Α/ΛΕ/ΞΙ/ΟC/Ο/Κ/Ο/Μ/ΝΗ/Ν/Ο/C, on left and Ο ΑΓΙ/ΟC ΓΕ/ωΡΓ/ΙΟC in center. On the left, a bearded figure in military dress standing facing, holding a sword with his right hand over his right shoulder, and with his left arm held by the right hand of St. George, nimbate and in military dress, standing facing with his left hand raised in benediction. Spink 127, 1998, Zacos Part I, 93 (same types but less well preserved). Very rare. A wonderfully detailed and attractive seal with a fine dark brown-grey patina. Extremely fine.

Ex Classical Numismatic Group 87, 18 May 2011, 1313.

As famously occurred with some of the important Venetian families, the Comneni very often gave their sons the same names: thus, we have a considerable number of people called Alexius. Who the one is on this seal is uncertain: given his military dress he must have been a senior officer in the army.