Roman 'Essex' Bronze Hare Brooch

Composed of early trail-decorated rolled-pad, lampwork, millefiori, folded, and dark glass beads, most in polychrome. 106 grams total, 11-21 mm



UK gallery, early 2000s.

Represented nude and winged, with detailed head crowned by dressed locks and a low petasos, the face beautifully modelled with delicate features; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 49 grams total, 11.5 cm including stand

Fine brown clay, grey core.

Ex P. A., Hertfordshire, UK, specialist collection of Greek art, 1980-1990s.

These figurines were often deposited inside the graves of children. In Thessaloniki, a winged Eros very similar to this was deposited in a grave. From the small size of the skeleton, with a maximum length of 1,10 m, and from the grave offerings, the archaeologists deduced that it belonged to a boy who was accompanied by his beloved and necessary possessions, but also by those providing escort and entertainment beyond this world. Unguentaria were placed on either side of the femoral bones, two on one and a single one on the other, two strigils along the eastern side of the grave near the head, a coin on the chest, and several terracotta figurines near the north-eastern corner near the head, while a handle-less bowl was placed very close to the face.

Flat ceramic sherd with incised concentric rings, band of impressed alternating lozenges and roundels, group of four fish to the centre; fabric-backed. 178 grams, 17.5 cm



Acquired 1960s-1990s. From the late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister

The representation of fish on this terra sigillata from a North African workshop suggests the connection with Christian faith through the fish symbol. The ancient Greek: 'ἰχθύς', was an acronym for the phrase ‘Jesus Christ, Son of God’, in Greek, and was used by early Christians for this reason. The fish symbol was very common in the catacombs of Rome and was used as a recognition symbol among the early Christians.