Matrix of the great seal of the Faculty of Law

Description

The seal was used by the Dean of the Faculty of Law to authenticate official documents. In the C17 and C18 this seal was used almost exclusively for important and ceremonial documents while a smaller seal was kept for everyday use. The keys and triple crown identify the right hand figure as the pope; in his left hand he is holding a book, either the Bible or the codex of canon law. Facing the pope is a bearded emperor, depicted with crown, imperial orb and sword of justice. The figures are turned slightly towards one another and are wearing long loose robes. Their crowns extend into the inscription band, touching the outer beaded rim. The field of the image is set with five pointed stars. The Basle coat of arms indicates that the city is the highest authority to which the university can appeal. Pope and emperor embody spiritual and secular law, the two great branches of medieval law; they are not actual individuals. This seal depicting the pope and emperor continued to be used even after the Reformation and Switzerland's independence from the Holy Roman Empire.