Seal impression (cast), of Bishop Henry le Chen

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This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from seal of Henry le Chen, Bishop of Aberdeen, dating from around 1282.

The seal depicts the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The Virgin in the centre carries a palm branch and book. Around her are eight angels emerging from clouds, swinging censors. In the arched niche below, a bishop kneels in adoration. The inscription 'PRESVLIS. ESTO. PIA : MEMOR. ASCENDENDO. MARIA' is a prayer. The gold border is modern cardboard trim.

Seals are evidence of the paperwork involved in running a complex organisation. They were signs of the medieval Church's huge authority, combining the functions of signature and logo to show that documents were genuine.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-771-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  K.1999.912
• Date: Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: Around 1282
  
• Material: Sulphur; brown. Inscription: PRESVLIS . ESTO . PIA : MEMOR . ASCENDENDO . MARIA
  Seal / cast
  
• Dimensions: 54 mm L x 38 mm W
  
• What: Seal / cast
  
• Subject:
• Who: Henry le Chen
  Young Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen
  
• Event:
• Description: Brown sulphur cast of the seal of Henry le Chen, Bishop of Aberdeen, depicting the Assumption of the Virgin, c. 1282
  
• References:
  • Stevenson and Wood 
• Translations:
• Related Records: