Image annotation 2

As discussed by Bassett, the imperial panels from San Vitale and this seal both demonstrate the Byzantine emphasis on imperial and religious symbolism through material culture (Bassett, 53). This seal incorporates the image of Emperor Justinian and the Virgin Mary upholding Hagia Sophia, which communicates authority and sanctity by representating the church and the state as one. Ousterhout's article discusses how architecture served various symbolic roles (religious, political, and cultural), all of which reflected both the emperor's and the city's role as a Christian authority (Ousterhout, 289). The image of Hagia Sophia on this seal, as a place of earthly and heavenly union, showcases Ousterhout's point that architecture maintains great significance in the global Medieval world.

Making Connections: Bassett and Ousterhout

Plenty of Propoganda: The seal’s unique design demonstrates the importance of material culture in Byzantium by propagating the religious and political powers of the time. By placing The Emperor and Mother Mary essentially as mirrors of eachother on a seal - a small, yet significant manifestation -- the message of Justinian as a civic and sacred leader is ensured to reach a wide audience. Cross-Cultural Connections: The inscription on the back of the seal, which is written in Greek, continues to demonstrate how cross-cultural exchange was very active in the Medieval world. Through this seal and other forms of art historical evidece, it is clear that the Byzantine Empire was influenced acrossed Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.

Contributions to Global Medieval Art

1. What can the Greek inscriptions tell us about the language of Byzantine bureaucracy and government? Why might Justinian look to Greece for this inspiration?2. What can the materials, craftsmanship, and design of the seal tell us about the technological/artistic advancements of the Byzantine Empire during the 6th century? 3. Seals were used to secure and officiate documents of the Emperor. What does this seal’s design and text say about the things it may have been used to secure, and what does it say about imperial administration in Byzantium?

Questions to Consider: