Representation of the Livonian clergy in 13th–16th century sigillographic sources

The paper focuses on the investigation of sigillographic sources — pendant wax seals, that belonged to representatives Livonian Bishops and Archbishops Riga. For investigation, more than 700 seals from Latvian State Historical Archive’s Fund No. 8 “Archives Internal Magistrate Riga” were analyzed. Archbishopric Riga, Bishoprics. Analysis clergy reveal several stages can be distinguished in their development. earliest display a well-known image – bishop seated throne holding his regalia. it was common use uncolored wax, these mostly round shape but transition pointed oval took place during 13th-century. By middle end 13th-century transitioned into red wax. During this time also first double-sided (where reverse considered as counterseal) appeared. In period bishops archbishops are depicted standing church surroundings, indicating seal owner’s status rank. 14th-century family coat arms appears. Counterseals 15th-16th-cenuries used separately great counterseal depiction them represent importance cult Virgin Mary Livonia. Nevertheless, clergymen for self-representation. Medieval religious communities specialists symbolization. ages they adopted readjusted own equivalent self-representation devices not only artistic architectural works.