The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of April 18, 2024

Seal of Doge Michele Steno (obverse)

Seal of Doge Michele Steno (obverse)

1400–1409
repousé gold over a core of wax and resin
Diameter: 4.8 cm (1 7/8 in.)
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1985.198.a
Location: 110A Italian Gothic

Description

This opulent seal, an example of the splendor surrounding the ruler of Venice, was once attached to a charter issued in 1409. Seals were molded or embossed and attached to official documents as evidence of authenticity. This example is thought to be one of the finest Venetian seals to be preserved.
  • Fredericus Spatafora, Venetian consul in Messina, Sicily; his descendants until sold at Sotheby's, New York, 23 November 1984, lot 12; (Alex Wengraf, Ltd., London).
  • CMA 1986: "Year in Review 1985," CMA Bulletin, 1986 (February, 1986), p.63
  • {{cite web|title=Seal of Doge Michele Steno (obverse)|url=false|author=|year=1400–1409|access-date=18 April 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1985.198.a