This is a Venetian seal that is made up of a medium brown wooden tube with a rounded end on top and a flat, engraved brass piece on the bottom. The image etched onto the face of the seal is that that of the winged lion of St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice. Most of the seal is occupied by feather-like undulations making up the wings of the lion. On the top part, the face of the lion is heavily eroded and has a halo around it. Towards the bottom, to our left, the lion holds onto a coat of arms.
Italian, Venice
Seal,
19th century
Brass and wood
,
10.2 x 4.4 cm (4 x 1 3/4 in.)
Object details
Accession number
M19e86
Primary Creator
Italian, Venice
Full title
Seal
Creation Date
19th century
Provenance
Entered Isabella Stewart Gardner's collection at an unknown date.
Dimensions
10.2 x 4.4 cm (4 x 1 3/4 in.)
Display Media
Brass and wood
Web Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.
Permanent Gallery Location
Tapestry Room
Rights and reproductions
The use of images, text, and all other media found on this website is limited. Please review Rights and Reproductions for details.
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.