This small lead seal belonged to George, a Byzantine public official who likely supervised state workshops, toll collections, or notaries, and served as governor of Thessaloniki, Greece. The seal depicts Saint Demetrios, the patron saint of the city, as well as an inscription that reads “Theotokos, help”, a call upon the blessing and aid of the Virgin Mary. George would have needed this seal to certify his letters and other official documents while conducting business. The seal would have functioned as a business card, where recipients of his letters would be able to read his name and office stated in the inscription, and to see his devotion to Demetrios.

The Crucifixion scene is painted at the center with a few other figures surrounding it. At the work’s bottom left corner, the painted layer has worn away, revealing a rather smooth surface of wood, suggesting that the icon was rubbed by the owner for devotional purposes. The owner, depicted in the icon just above this area, has an intense emotion on his face, signaling his direct mediation with Jesus.

This book includes ten miniatures of Christ’s life, seven of Saint Demetrios, and one for every saint celebrated throughout the year. It is small enough to be held in one hand, and acts as a pocket calendar for daily devotional use. This Menologion was commissioned by the despot of Thessaloniki, Demetrios Palaiologos, in honor of his namesake and the patron saint of the city, Saint Demetrios. A dedicatory poem, included at the end of the book, explains that it was created for the salvation of the despot’s soul. The use of gold leaf throughout the book displays Demetrios’s wealth and spiritual devotion.

Saint Nicholas, depicted on this icon as an Eastern Orthodox bishop, is one of the most widely venerated saints in Christianity. His painted image is adorned with silver and silver-gilt revetments, showing the original owner’s particular veneration for this bishop saint. This icon could have been placed at the center of an altar or in a holy place in the home.