Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 5.djvu/15

Rh seal of John, as earl of Mortaine, of the close of the twelfth century, subsequent to 1170; on its reverse is the impression of an antique gem with the legend, ✠.

The wax used in taking impressions of seals during the eleventh and twelfth centuries appears to have been generally white; there are a few examples of red wax, but the colour seems to have been only applied superficially, and is usually more or less volatilised. Towards the end of the twelfth century green wax became very common; the colouring matter pervading the whole substance of the material; and it may be remarked that seals of this colour are in all instances better preserved than those of white or red; owing probably to the improved composition of the wax rather than to any other cause.

On reviewing the seals of the first period we see in them all the defects common to archaic art of whatever kind: poverty of invention, a want of imitative power, and a rude and superficial execution.

The introduction of heraldic insignia at the close of the twelfth century had the natural effect of producing a large class of seals exclusively armorial in character, and it is remarkable that from this date a decided and progressive improvement may be traced in the design and execution of personal seals. At the commencement of the thirteenth century the legal necessity for these instruments was thoroughly established, and it is obvious that there must have been at that time, as in our own, a large number of persons who would