Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0730
Roman Bronze ROMA Brooch
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
1 3/8 in. (15.8 grams, 37 mm).
The monogram in Roman capital letters, ('R'+'M'+'A', with the 'O' represented by the circular rim of the brooch itself), a palindrome 'AMOR'; complete with pin.
Provenance
Acquired on the UK art market before 2000.
Property of a Surrey, UK, collector.
Published
Cf. Heynowski, R., Bestimmungsbuch Archaeologie: Fibeln, Munich, 2012, item 3.26.11, for type; for a similar brooch discovered on the Isle of Wight, United Kingdom, see database in Portable Antiquities Scheme website.
Footnotes
The brooch is composed of the stylised letters ‘RMA’. When viewed from the obverse RMA + the circle of the brooch form a monogram for ‘Roma’. Roma refers to both the city and its divine personification, the Dea Roma. But if RMA is read from right to left (or the brooch is viewed from the opposite side), the letters display a monogram for ‘AMOR’, the Latin name for Cupid, the god of love. The phrase pertains to Roma-Amor, a widely recognised palindrome espousing Roman wordplay in the ancient times.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine Auctions follows a 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.
RELATED LOTS
-
Roman 'Leicestershire' Redware Sherd Collection
3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Comprising a large quantity of mixed vessel fragments, mostly displaying part of the base or rim, and a lump of unworked clay; some with old pencilled or inked collection numbers. 900 grams total, 3.1-13.5 cm
Acquired from a private collector in 2004. Property of a Nottinghamshire gentleman. -
Roman Bronze Phallic Pendant
Circa 1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £364
With anatomical detailing and integral loop above. 17.1 grams, 38 mm
Acquired on the UK art market before 2000. Property of a Surrey, UK, collector. -
.jpg)
Roman Gold Ring with Serapis Gemstone
1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,300
Hollow-formed with inset carnelian gemstone engraved with a profile bust of Serapis above a perching eagle flanked by fronds, possibly a marriage. 3.15 grams, 26.98 mm overall, 13.22 mm internal diameter (approximate size British D, USA 1 3/4, Europe 1.15, Japan 1)
Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private Swiss collection since 1998.
