Roman Enamelled Bronze Brooch Collection

Rounded bezel with inset jasper gemstone, intaglio scene of a lion pouncing upon a goose taking flight; possibly a marriage or the stone has been displaced due to corrosion in the socket. 7.73 grams, 25.14 mm overall, 18.22 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)



From a collection of a London lady, acquired annually during 1990s-2000s.

Modelled in relief with openwork elements, stylised detailing to both figures; hollow reverse. 182 grams, 10.2 cm high



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.

Hollow cast bronze images of Eros riding a lion are linked to the Eastern Levant and have been found for example in Tamna, probably a Roman import. The importance of long-distance contacts within the Eastern Mediterranean areas was rapidly reflected in provincial artistic styles, probably as soon as in Hellenistic times, at the beginning of the third century B.C., possibly even earlier. The unquestionable Greek influence led a number of scholars to define three main styles for the bronzes discovered in the eastern Roman provinces: a local type and iconography locally produced, Greek or Roman imports, and Oriental, Hellenistic, or Roman style, locally produced.

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.