Rare Medieval Seal Matrix of Archbishop Robert Kilwardby.
Circa, 1273-1279 AD. Copper-alloy, 47 grams. 62 x 37 mm. The seal is vessica-shaped with a detailed portrayal of the martyrdom of Thomas Becket. The scene depicts the kneeling Thomas Becket being approached by four knights, two with their swords unsheathed, and a monk, Edward Grim, standing over holding a crozier. Both Thomas Becket and Edward Grim are being struck by the two swords. Below the main scene is a separate compartment depicting the archbishop kneeling with hands in prayer looking up to the scene. This would depict the current archbishop. The image has been produced in the negative so that once pressed into wax the image would be in relief. Surrounding the image within a beaded border is the inscription: AD V P M PRO ME SIT SEMPER PASSIO ThOME, translating as 'In obedience to Christ, let the martyrdom of Thomas always be before me' (Slocum 2012: 68; Mackay 2020: pers. comm.). The reverse of the matrix is flat with an integral lug at the upper end. According to Slocum (2012: 61), during the Medieval period seals not only provided authentication to official documents, they were also used as a way to make their often royal and ecclesiastical owners and their authority visible. A number of the archbishops of Canterbury used the portrayal of the martyrdom of Thomas Becket in their counter seals, possibly as a form of political statement as well as personal inspiration. This seal matrix has been identified as the counter seal of Robert Kilwardby (AD 1215-1279), who served as the Archbishop of Canterbury between AD 1273-1279. The counter seal was often used in conjunction with other official, but more ubiquitous seals, of the office to greater strengthen the authenticity of the document. Ref: Slocum, K.B. (2012) 'Martir quod Stillat Primatis ab Ore Sigillat: Sealed with the Blood of Becket', in Journal of the British Archaeological Association, vol 165, pp. 61-88. Recorded with the PAS: WAW-FDC4E7.
Realised Price: £
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