Italian, Veneto
Seal Matrix of the Bishop of Feltre and Belluno, 13th century - 14th century
Bronze
This seal is a flat bronze disc engraved with figures in the center and an inscription around the border. The central field displays the Bishop of Feltre and Belluno wearing a tall hat and an elaborate robe. The Bishop holds a staff with a spiral at the top in his right hand while his left hand is held up with two fingers up in blessing. On either side of the central figure are two angels in profile, facing into the center and holding tall crosses. There is a Latin inscription around the border. Age and rust has created a color contrast such that the raised figures appear grey and the background a rusty red. On the reverse side of the disc, the metal is formed into a rounded projection for holding.
Long Gallery
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.