Seal of Doge Michele Steno (obverse)
Unknown Artist
1400–1409
Medium
repousé gold over a core of wax and resin
Dimensions
{"diameter":{"height":0.048}}
Classification
Metalwork
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
Accession Number
1985.198.a
About this artwork
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.