Leu Numismatik AG
Web Auction 15 27-28 Feb 2021
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Uncertain, 8th-10th century. Amulet (Lead, 22 mm, 3.58 g). Holy Rider on horseback galloping to right, spearing female demon; all within decorated border. Rev. ...PVΓЄ MOMICHMЄN - COΛOMONCΘA Two circular legends within three concentric circles; in center, retrograde BK. A late antique amulet of good style with intriguing imagery and legends. Very fine.
'Holy Rider' imagery appears on a large and heterogeneous group of mostly haematite, bronze and lead amulets. Their date is debated, but most objects appear to originate from the 5th and 6th centuries. On the gems, the holy rider is usually named 'Solomon' in allusion to the late antique tradition of King Solomon as a master of demons. On our piece, this name seems to appear in the inner circular inscription. The outer inscription may be derived from "pheuge", "flee!", meaning something alone the lines of "flee, demon, because Solomon pursues you".
'Holy Rider' imagery appears on a large and heterogeneous group of mostly haematite, bronze and lead amulets. Their date is debated, but most objects appear to originate from the 5th and 6th centuries. On the gems, the holy rider is usually named 'Solomon' in allusion to the late antique tradition of King Solomon as a master of demons. On our piece, this name seems to appear in the inner circular inscription. The outer inscription may be derived from "pheuge", "flee!", meaning something alone the lines of "flee, demon, because Solomon pursues you".