Lot 220
220
The panhypersebastos (late 11th- early 12th century), the Virgin, nimbate, seated facing on throne with back, holding with both hands an aureole of the bust of the Infant Saviour wearing nimbus cruciger and himation, to left and right standing Archangels turn towards them with hands half raised in adoration, in upper field to left and right **, in lower field to left **, rev. metrical legend **, 15.83g. (ZV 2720d), very fine

Details
The panhypersebastos (late 11th- early 12th century), the Virgin, nimbate, seated facing on throne with back, holding with both hands an aureole of the bust of the Infant Saviour wearing nimbus cruciger and himation, to left and right standing Archangels turn towards them with hands half raised in adoration, in upper field to left and right **, in lower field to left **, rev. metrical legend **, 15.83g. (ZV 2720d), very fine

Lot Essay

Zacos and Veglery have identified three couples with the title panhypersebastoi for this period. They are Maria Comnene, elder sister of Alexius I, and Michael Taronites (panhypersebastoi from 1082-1094), Anna Comnene, elder daughter of Alexius I, and Nikephoros Bryennios (1097-1109), and Maria Comnene, second daughter of Alexius I, and Nikephoros Katakalon Euphorbenos (early 12th century). The first couple is the most likely, as the names Maria and Michael are both reflected in the design of the seal.