Finger ring of Manuel Agapitos

Heavy gold finger ring with a disc-shaped bezel framed by dragonheads. On the disc, an eagle is depicted clutching a smaller bird in its talons. The bodies of the birds are stippled, their wings engraved. The eagle denotes power and is often depicted holding a snake or other bird in its talons, symbolizing its power over another. Incised around the scene in reverse, the inscription: “ΜΑΝΟΥΗΛ Ο ΑΓΑΠΗΤΟΣ” [MANUEL AGAPITOS]. The reverse engraving indicates that the ring was also used as a signet. The Agapitos family is referred to in 14th-century documents. A certain Manuel Agapitos described in a document from 1370 as a deacon and a scribe was probably the owner of this ring.

PUBLICATION
Skampavias K. 2007. Catalogue no. 43, in Skampavias K.—Chatzidakis N. (eds), Paul and Alexandra Canellopoulos Museum.Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Art, Athens, 55.