Ancient Roman Bronze Horse Brooch

$208.39

An extremely fine Ancient Roman cast bronze brooch, modelled in the shape of a horse. The animal is depicted in a dynamic pose, with curved neck and raised tail, striding forwards and with a stylised saddle modelled on its back. Detailing to the eyes and crest is rendered with fine incisions. Its anatomical features are rendered in a naturalistic manner. 

Date: Circa 1st-3rd Century AD
Condition: Fine, with original in intact.

SOLD

SKU: CS-248 Category: Tags: ,

Fibulae or brooches were originally used in Ancient Greece and in the Roman Empire for fastening garments, such as cloaks or togae. The fibula designs developed into a variety of shapes, but all were based on the safety-pin principle. Brooches modelled in the shape of horses or horses and riders, sometimes featuring enamel insets, have been vastly recovered across all the Roman Empire, including Roman Britain. Horses were integral to the prosperity of the Roman Empire: being indispensable in a military context, among others. 

Weight 11.3 g
Dimensions L 3.5 cm
Culture

Metal

Region

Reference: For a similar item, The British Museum, item 1915,1208.119 .