Legal Definitions - agalma

An agalma refers to the distinctive figure, symbol, or design that is impressed onto a seal. This design serves as a unique identifier for the person, office, or entity creating the seal, often used to authenticate documents, signify authority, or mark ownership.

• Imagine a medieval monarch who uses a signet ring to authenticate royal decrees. The specific crest, coat of arms, or emblem carved into that ring, which then leaves an impression in wax, is the agalma. This unique design on the seal signifies the king's authority and confirms the document's authenticity.

• Consider a modern corporation that uses an official corporate seal on important legal documents, such as contracts or property deeds. The company's unique logo or emblem that is embossed onto the paper by this seal is its agalma. This design visually confirms that the document has been officially sanctioned by the company.

• Think about an artist who uses a personal chop or stamp to mark their original artworks. The unique symbol, monogram, or stylized signature carved into the chop, which then leaves an ink impression on the artwork, functions as the artist's agalma. This specific design authenticates the piece as their creation.