Seal matrix thumbnail 1
Seal matrix thumbnail 2
+2
images

This object consists of 2 parts, some of which may be located elsewhere.

Seal matrix

Seal
ca. 1388-1393 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This gilt copper alloy matrix for a seal was made for Alberto d' Este (1361-1391), ruler of Ferrara between 1388 and 1393. Seal impressions were attached to written documents to authenticate them, just as a signature functions today. They were made of beeswax, usually coloured red, green or brown, and produced by a seal matrix, generally of metal, which was pressed into the softened wax. The matrix was often engraved with a badge, device or coat of arms, since heraldic devices gave status as well as individuality. Royalty and the nobility used seal matrices made of gold or silver, or sometimes of copper alloy, and very occasionally of ivory. Merchants and institutions generally used copper alloy.

Object details

Category
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Seal
  • Wax Impression From Seal
TitleSeal matrix
Materials and techniques
copper alloy, engraved, gilt
Brief description
Seal matrix, of copper alloy, engraved with an eagle and gilt, Ferrara, Italy, ca.1388-93
Physical description
Circular seal matrix, with a handle at the back, deeply engraved on one side with an eagle, displayed, encircled by a Latin inscription .
Dimensions
  • Diameter: 7.6cm
Measured for the Medieval and Renaissance Galleries 2006.
Marks and inscriptions
S.ALBERTI.MARCH..ESTEN.VICAR.CIVIT.FRE.P.SCA.ROMAN.ECE.AC.MVT.DN.GNAL
Object history
Made for Alberto d'Este (1361-1391); in the collection of J.H. Fitzhenry by 1904.
Historical context
This gilt copper alloy matrix for a seal was made for Alberto d' Este (1361-1391), ruler of Ferrara 1388-1393. The eagle with outstretched wings was an emblem of the Este family. The Latin inscription round the outer edge of the matrix identifies Alberto as ruler of Ferrara and Master General of the Holy Church. There is a pierced handle on the reverse onto which a larger wooden handle could have been fitted, so that the matrix could be held and easily pressed down into softened beeswax to make the seal impression. This impression was then attached to a letter or a document to authenticate it, just as a signature functions today.

Like many wafering irons ( which were used to make waffles and wafers) this seal matrix can be seen as an example of a mould that was used to produce very shallow reliefs.
Subject depicted
Summary
This gilt copper alloy matrix for a seal was made for Alberto d' Este (1361-1391), ruler of Ferrara between 1388 and 1393. Seal impressions were attached to written documents to authenticate them, just as a signature functions today. They were made of beeswax, usually coloured red, green or brown, and produced by a seal matrix, generally of metal, which was pressed into the softened wax. The matrix was often engraved with a badge, device or coat of arms, since heraldic devices gave status as well as individuality. Royalty and the nobility used seal matrices made of gold or silver, or sometimes of copper alloy, and very occasionally of ivory. Merchants and institutions generally used copper alloy.
Bibliographic references
  • Marian Campbell, Medieval Jewellery in Europe 1100- 1500, London 2009, pp. 103-4
  • Noel Adams, John Cherry and James Robinson, ed., Good Impressions: Image and authority in medieval seals, London 2008
  • Curtis, Penelope, Depth of Field: the place of relief in the time of Donatello, Leeds: Henry Moore Institute, 2004
  • Campbell, Marian. 'Loreficeria italiana nell' Inghliterra Medievale, con una nota sugli smalti italiani del XIV e XV secolo nel Victoria and Albert Museum'. In: Bollettino d'Arte, Supplement to vol. 43 (1987), pp. 1-22 (at 11-12).
Collection
Accession number
743-1904

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdAugust 24, 2004
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest