MEDIEVAL SEAL MATRIX

1300

Cast copper alloy roughly hexagonal seal matrix, tapering hexagonal shaft topped by a trefoil handle. Seal contains a tripartite design consisting of a a figure of the crucified Christ set against a diapered background. The right of this, and also set within an arch are the figures of the Virgin and Child. The lower field contains the upper part of the figure of a man, his arm raised and, to his right, a chalice. The inscription cannot be read from the drawing by Mrs Elwes suggested that it contained the letters L A T Q' U C H ? The iconography shows this to have been the seal of a member of the clergy. Height 33.2mm, Diameter 20.2mm, Mass 20.34g