Brooch with Intaglio of a Toreador, believed to be Ophelia Mikhaelous (Also called “The Dawn of the Danube” and “Muse of Pleasure”), childe of Petronius and grandchilder of Michael. Records indicate her siring took place in the late 910s-early 920s, with scholars agreeing it happened around Romanus I Lecapenus’ usurpation and appointment as co-emperor. Ophelia was known to have been instrumental in introducing Zoe Carbonosina to Emperor Leo the Wise, and had been a close presence in the young Constantine VII’s life. It is widely agreed that her removal would’ve been a necessary component in Romanus’ plans.
Etchings on the reverse of the brooch indicate it to have been a gift to Taltos Keszi Zselyke, a member of House Obertus, and clan Tzimisce. Historians believe the two women to have been “close friends,” although the sheer haul of artefacts preserved that the two gifted to one another may suggest a less orthodox interpretation of their relationship. Many of these artefacts bear the craftsmark of a “Rhododaktylos,” which translates to “Rose-Fingered.” Little else is known about the woman who bore this epithet, but none deny the skill in her work, with this piece notable for the glow of sunlight that seems to be captured in the setting.
Ophelia was created by me, to play in @8megabyte Ancient Nights Campaign (set in Constantinople — featuring our characters as ghouls for the first two decades of the 10th Century, and then continuing to play them as vampires after this point). Zselyke belongs to @suddenlyshouting and Rhododaktylos to @perseiis
(This piece was painted on Procreate, referencing Brooch with Intaglio of an Emperor (setting Ottonian & intaglio Byzantine) in The MET Museum. Image description in Alt Text!)
