The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of March 29, 2023

Seal of Doge Michele Steno (obverse)

1400–1409

Part of a set. See all set records

Italy, Venice, 15th century

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.

Inscriptions

Inscription

the figures of the Doge and St. Mark are identified by the inscription.

Provenance
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).
Exhibition history

CMA 1986: "Year in Review 1985," CMA Bulletin, 1986 (February, 1986), p.63

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