Saint Isidore was martyred on the Greek island of Chios in 251 AD. This bronze seal dating back to the 6th century, kept in the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, was used by pilgrims heading to the miraculous well of Chios, represented on the right side, into which the body of the Saint had been thrown. The Saint is placed in the center, while on the left there is a boat, in reference to both sailors of which Isidore is the protector and the pilgrims' journey to the island. The inscription reads: ΙΣ ΧΡ / + Ο ΑΓΙΟΣ ΗΣΙΔΩΡΟΣ / ΔΕΧ ΕΥΛΟΓΙ (Jesus Christ / + Saint Isidore / Receive a blessing). This stamp, used to produce pilgrim tokens, has a backward inscription that becomes legible when imprinted in clay.
Chios is the place of origin of the seal, but it was discovered in Thessaloniki. Henry Walters, founder of the Walters Art Gallery (now the Walters Art Museum) in Baltimore, Maryland, purchased the seal in 1912 and after his death in 1931 it was placed in his museum.
Chios is the place of origin of the seal, but it was discovered in Thessaloniki. Henry Walters, founder of the Walters Art Gallery (now the Walters Art Museum) in Baltimore, Maryland, purchased the seal in 1912 and after his death in 1931 it was placed in his museum.
