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Details
LOT 0305
Ostrogothic Silver-Gilt Radiate-Headed Brooch
LATE 5TH CENTURY A.D.
4 3/8 in. (28 grams, 11 cm).
Comprising a D-shaped headplate with running-scroll motif and five radiating balustered knops, the median one with an applied cell and inset garnet cabochon; short bow with median rib and tiered junction to the lozengiform footplate with running scroll motifs and cabochon garnets at the angles; lateral pierced triangular panels with cabochon garnets below and a beast-head finial; pin-lugs, spring, pin and catch to the reverse.
Provenance
Acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s.
From the private collection of Alan Harrison, circa 2007.
Literature
Cf. Menghin, W., The Merovingian Period. Europe Without Borders, Berlin, 2007, items VIII.6.2, VIII.6.3.
Footnotes
The pierced triangular element above the finial was probably intended to represent two animals with heads bent down, the garnet cabochons forming the eyes; this is more clearly shown on the example from Ravenna (VIII.6.2).
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Acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s. From the private collection of Alan Harrison, circa 2007.
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6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Consisting of part of the semi-circular headplate embellished with three radiating knops and a band of geometric swirls, arched bow with raised rib and boss. 7.88 grams, 35 mm
Found near Boxford, West Berkshire, UK, in 2001. Accompanied by various correspondence with West Berkshire Council and the British Museum, including a letter disclaiming the brooch as treasure dated 22nd November 2001, BM Treasure case: 2001 T1. Accompanied by PAS record id. PAS-D36287.
The brooch is similar to Rhineland examples from Andernach and Bonn, Germany (H Kühn, Die germanischen Bügelfibeln der Völkerwanderungszeit in der Rheinprovinz(Bonn, 1940), Taf. 67: 6,3; 6,5; 6,6). However, a more ovoid form ending in an animal head is not impossible.
