Exceptional Medieval Ecclesiastic Armorial Seal

Code: 10696

This is an exceptional medieval bronze ecclesiastic seal, dating to the 13th century. This example depicts a Saint Vincent kneeling in prayer before the Virgin Mary, enthroned and holding the Christ Child, whose hand is raised in benediction. The scene is set at night with stars surrounding a church or abbey roof. The seal also has a full armorial, either of the abbey or original owner. The arms depict 'crusilly a lion rampant and a label of five points' the lack of tinctures in the arms limit my knowledge as to whom or what these arms represent, but I am sure further research can attribute a family. The seal is fully inscribed, beautifully cut in Lombardic script with "+MAGRI.DVRADI.DE.T AYSETO.CAN.SILVAN". The seal had been associated with Abbaye Saint-Vincent de Senlis, by the original finder, Senlis was known as Civitas Silvanectium "City of the Silvanectes" to the ancient Romans. The original owner could thus have been Magri Duradi of Tayseto, Cannon of Silvanectes Cathedral or Abbey? 

The seal is about as perfect as you can expect from an original medieval example, intact with fabulous green patina. 

OBJECT: Vessica Seal Matrice

CULTURE: Medieval

DATE: c. 13th century A.D.

MATERIAL: Bronze

SIZE: 43mm x 26mm x 4mm

WEIGHT:  15.5 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. European Private Collection, France.