Roman Bronze Crossbow Brooch Group

Modelled in the round with catch beneath the foreleg, hole for hinged pin beneath the hindleg. 11.2 grams, 31 mm



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

With delicately modelled youthful features, thick hair framing the face adorned with a laurel-wreath secured at the rear, traces of silvering to the eyes; ledge base; possibly Apollo the sun-god, or a lar (guardian spirit). 31 grams, 32 mm



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

The use of domestic gods continued in the Roman Empire also in later times. Of particular interest is a group of sculptures discovered in the Theodosian Palace in Stobi. The finds consist of marble and bronze statuettes and reliefs that were deposited in one of the ornamental basins located in the peristyle. Four of the smaller bronze sculptures— a lar, Apollo, Venus, and a satyr— may have formed the contents of a lararium. The palace was in use until the 5th century A.D., but the sculptures consists of heirloom and reused pieces dated at 2nd-1st century B.C. However, an unusual feature of this bronze assemblage is the fact that they date overwhelmingly to the 3rd century A.D.

With intaglio scene of a man milking a goat with one leg extended, his back resting on a tree-trunk; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.79 grams, 12 mm



Collected from 1970-1999. From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK. Accompanied by a previous catafalque information slip.