Ancient Roman

Late Roman Imperial Lead Seal of the First Tetrarchy – Four Imperial Busts Roman Imperial Period, First Tetrarchy, AD 293–305 Material: Lead Weight: 8.0 g Dimensions: 22.5 × 17.1 × 7.2 mm From a Private European Collection. An exceptionally interesting and very rare Late Roman lead seal dating to the period of the First Tetrarchy under Diocletian, one of the most important political transformations of the Roman Empire. The obverse displays an extraordinary composition of four draped and radiate imperial busts, arranged in two registers, with each pair facing one another. The four portraits can be understood within the ideological framework of the First Tetrarchy and represent the collective imperial authority of the two Augusti and two Caesars: Diocletian – Augustus of the East Maximian – Augustus of the West Galerius – Caesar of the East Constantius Chlorus – Caesar of the West Rather than emphasising the individuality of a single emperor, Tetrarchic imagery deliberately presented the rulers as members of a unified imperial college. The remarkable four-bust arrangement of this seal therefore provides a miniature expression of one of the defining political concepts of the late Roman Empire: four emperors sharing responsibility for the government and defence of the Roman world. The portraits remain remarkably recognisable despite the small dimensions of the object, with the opposing heads and their radiate crowns creating a highly distinctive and visually impressive composition. The raised circular border surrounding the design is still clearly visible. The reverse preserves the prominent central projection associated with the sealing mechanism, demonstrating the practical administrative function of the object. Lead seals of this kind were employed to secure and authenticate documents, containers or consignments within the complex administrative structures of the Roman Empire. What makes this example particularly desirable is its extremely rare four-bust iconographic composition. While imperial portraits occur on Roman lead seals, representations combining the complete Tetrarchic college in such a compact composition are exceptionally unusual. The piece therefore combines imperial portraiture, political propaganda and Roman administrative history in a single small object. It represents a fascinating surviving witness to Diocletian's revolutionary system of government, introduced in AD 293 and known today as the Tetrarchy – the “rule of four.” A remarkable and very rare Late Roman lead seal preserving an exceptional image of the four rulers who collectively governed the Roman Empire during one of the most decisive periods of its history. I prove that the lot was obtained legally , provenance statement seen by Catawiki Important information. I guarantee that I am entitled to ship this lot. I will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. I will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.

Estimate:$476.09

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