Roman Bronze Horse Brooch

With incised foliage detail to the high arched bow and flat head plate with human face and radiating floral pattern engraved on both sides; catchplate and pin-loop to the reverse. 36.5 grams, 10.5 cm



Ex European collection, 1990s. Ex Den of Antiquity, Cambridgeshire, UK. Accompanied by a dealer's catalogue information card.

The fibula seems to be provincial type, of Romano-Germanic inspiration. This particularly characteristic fibula shape of the Romano-Germanic army, worn probably by the Germanic mercenaries of the Roman army, appeared in the later 2nd and partly at the beginning of the 3rd century A.D., under a form of large bow brooches with various types of head plates or spiral sleeves.

Globular in form with low basal disc, central socket. 36.7 grams, 32 mm



Acquired in the 1970s. Property of a London lady, part of her family's collection.

The figure standing with her head turned slightly to the right, elegant hair falling to the shoulders in two long tresses; chiton draped around the left shoulder and sagging to expose the right breast; left hand holding a fold of the robe at her thigh, right hand slightly extended holding an apple; toes exposed beneath the fringe of her robe; mounted on a custom-made stand. 1.17 kg total, 27.3 cm high including stand



European private collection, acquired 1980s, or before. Subsequently British private collection, acquired late 1990s from the previous. Acquired directly from the above by the current owner. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12052-210844.