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Barnebys HQ
Brahegatan 10
BOX 5038
114 37 Stockholm
All auctions / Ancient Art / Ancient Roman Silver Brooch
An exceptionally small and elegant Ancient Roman silver fibula, crafted in the form of a crossbow-style brooch. Despite its miniature dimensions of just 25 × 15 mm, this remarkable piece displays an intricate construction and carefully executed decorative details. Particularly striking are the raised circular mouldings, elegantly curved bow, and distinctive pin mechanism. These elements give the tiny brooch an almost architectural appearance, transforming a functional fastening device into a refined piece of personal jewellery. The Art of Roman Craftsmen Fibulae played an important role in everyday life throughout the Roman Empire. They were used to fasten cloaks, tunics, and other garments while also serving as decorative accessories. Silver examples represented a more valuable alternative to the commonly encountered bronze brooches. Such objects could reflect the wealth, social standing, or personal taste of their owners. This particular example is especially fascinating because of its exceptionally small dimensions. Weighing only 2.4 grams, it preserves a sophisticated construction that required considerable precision and craftsmanship. The Architecture of a Miniature Brooch The fibula displays several distinctive structural features: - An elegantly curved bow with raised decorative elements. - Circular mouldings accentuating individual sections of the construction. - An elongated body with a gently tapering profile. - Preserved components of the original pin mechanism. The combination of miniature proportions and intricate design makes this fibula an appealing object for collectors of Ancient Roman jewellery, archaeological artefacts, and historical dress accessories. Condition The fibula retains an attractive ancient surface with natural patina, darkened areas, and visible traces of age. The raised decorative elements remain clearly distinguishable, and the overall shape is well preserved. Specifications Culture: Ancient Roman Proposed Dating: 1st–3rd century AD Type: Miniature crossbow-style fibula (brooch) Material: Silver Dimensions: 25 × 15 mm Weight: 2.4 g Decoration: Raised circular mouldings and a profiled bow Condition: Ancient patinated surface with traces of age and wear Provenance: Acquired on the European antiquities market Shipping: European Union only. A Tiny Witness to a Great Empire The history of Ancient Rome survives not only through monumental architecture, military victories, and magnificent works of art. Sometimes, the smallest personal objects offer the most intimate glimpses into the everyday lives of people who lived nearly two thousand years ago. A fibula such as this may once have accompanied its owner through daily life, securing the folds of a garment while remaining a subtle yet elegant element of personal appearance. Weighing just 2.4 grams, this miniature silver fibula is a charming example of ancient metalworking, combining practical functionality with refined decorative craftsmanship.
Estimate:$168.03
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Estimate:
$168.03
OCT 27 | 4:00 PM
OCT 23 | 8:00 AM
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