Print page | Email lot to a friend
Back to previous pageLOT 0300
Estimate
GBP (£) 5,000 - 7,000
EUR (€) 5,780 - 8,100
USD ($) 6,700 - 9,380
(1 Bid, Reserve not met)
5TH-6TH CENTURY A.D.
2 3/8 in. (13.04 grams, 61 mm).
Executed using the repoussé technique, depicting interlaced snakes or possibly Jörmungandr, the world serpent; applied suspension loop with repoussé chevrons and pellets, faux ropework border around the whole.
PROVENANCE:
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11729-200423.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Glob., P.V., Danefae, Copenhagen, 1980, no.60; Various, Riflessi di Roma, L’Impero Romano e Barbari del Baltico (Reflections of Rome, the Roman Empire and the Barbarians of the Baltic), Roma, 1992, pp.218ff., no.4 D.
FOOTNOTES:
The bracteate belongs to the main type D, showing an image of tetramorphic monsters. Probably here the representation refers to Jörmungandr, the serpent of Midgard, son of Loki and killer of Thor, protagonist of Ragnarok - the downfall of the gods. The art of the bracteate medallions is one of the few contemporary sources for the pre-Christian religion of the Nordic countries. It demonstrates that ancient Germanic mythology, although known from later texts, was built on a tradition dating back to at least the 5th-6th centuries A.D. The function of these medallions was linked to the social position of the wearer in Germanic society.
TimeLine Auctions follows a rigorous vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
