Details

LOT 0520

Greek Bronze Bow Brooch

8TH-7TH CENTURY B.C.

2 3/8 in. (46.8 grams, 60 mm).

Deeply arched bow with a central barrel-shaped extension, integral pin and rectangular footplate. [No Reserve]

Provenance

From the family collection of a Surrey gentleman since before 1960.

Literature

Cf. Furtwängler, A., Olympia. Die Ergebnisse der von dem Deutschen Reich veranstalteten Ausgrabung, Band 4. 2 Bände (Textband, Tafelband), Asher, Berlin, 1890, pl.XXII, nos.367, 368, 369, for prototypes.

Footnotes

The distinctive form of this fibula seems to be an Italic variant of characteristic Geometric period examples from Thessaly that have been discovered in large numbers, for example in the sanctuary of Zeus Thaulios near Pharos. It belongs to the category of Greek catch plate brooches, although the rectangular footplate is substantially reduced than the Greek prototypes, and the two grooves on the bow are narrower than the continental Greek ones.